8 Fox Focus | Research
Increasing
Diversity and
Inclusion in
Parkinson’s
Research
by MAGGIE KUHL
Parkinson’s is a global disease that affects
everyone differently. The varied causes of
Parkinson’s and its individualized progression
mean scientists need to partner with a wide
variety of patients to understand the disease
and develop better treatments. Research on genetic mutations linked to
Parkinson’s disease has revolutionized drug
development — therapies against three
genetic-linked targets are already in clinical
trials — but most research in this area has
been done in people of European descent.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF)
is committed to inclusivity in research,
building on-ramps diverse populations can
take to participate in Parkinson’s studies.
Two new programs launched this summer,
which aim to engage people previously
underrepresented in Parkinson’s research. Now, our Global Parkinson’s Genetics
Program is funding three international teams
to collaborate with patients and clinics in
five African countries, five East Asian nations
and India to gather a more global picture
of Parkinson’s genetics. Analyzing genetic
information in people from these regions may