Parkinson's Foundation Sets Stage for National Dialogue on Innovative Care Solutions
Parkinson's Foundation Sets Stage for National Dialogue on Innovative Care Solutions
On September 4, 2025, the Parkinson's Foundation will convene a groundbreaking roundtable in Washington, D.C., focused on the crucial topic of improving care for individuals living with Parkinson's disease (PD). This initiative is timely and necessary as the prevalence of PD increases alongside an aging population, exacerbated by a significant shortage of neurologists specialized in PD care.
Understanding the Context
Currently, there are only 660 neurologists trained specifically in Parkinson's disease across the United States, with a glaring lack of specialists in rural areas where access to care remains limited. Alarmingly, only about 9% of the estimated one million Americans affected by PD receive care from a PD-trained neurologist. This scenario underscores the urgent need for collective efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of care for PD patients.
Purpose of the Roundtable
The National Roundtable on Parkinson's Care and Innovation will gather thought leaders, healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and innovators from various fields. The primary goal is to foster a collaborative environment where urgent priorities can be discussed and actionable solutions identified. By sharing insights and experiences, participants aim to build a shared vision for the future of PD care.
Dr. Sneha Mantri, Chief Medical Officer of the Parkinson's Foundation, emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships in shaping the future of PD care. She states, "We are at a pivotal moment. This roundtable discussion will help shape the future of PD care for years to come." This statement illustrates the foundation's commitment to not only improve current conditions for individuals with PD but also to innovate and expand resources for effective treatment.
Key Issues and Innovations
The roundtable will focus on several key areas:
- - Elevating the Voices of Patients: Central to the discussion will be the experiences of individuals living with PD and their caregivers, ensuring that their perspectives inform the prioritization of healthcare strategies.
- - Identifying Innovative Solutions: Participants will brainstorm and evaluate promising innovations that can lead to significant advancements in PD care, emphasizing technologies and methodologies that can bridge the existing care gaps.
- - Developing a National Agenda: The collective insights from the roundtable will be synthesized into an action-oriented issue brief aimed at informing a coordinated national agenda. This agenda will align stakeholders and support the National Parkinson's Project, which aims to prevent, treat, and cure Parkinson's disease.
Jon Blum, a prominent voice in healthcare reform and former principal deputy administrator and chief operating officer of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), highlights the significance of collaboration: "When all voices come together with a shared purpose, progress happens faster and with greater impact." This perspective reinforces the idea that multifaceted approaches and diverse insights lead to better outcomes in healthcare.
The Bigger Picture
Parkinson's disease, recognized as the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, poses a significant challenge not only to those who are diagnosed but also to their families and communities. The condition is characterized by a gradual decline in motor function and can lead to debilitating non-motor symptoms such as anxiety and depression. The societal impact, combined with the challenges of treatment access, necessitates an urgent and strategic response.
The insights gained from this roundtable are expected to drive real change in how PD care is delivered throughout the country. As emphasized by the Parkinson's Foundation, the ultimate goal is to make life better for those living with PD through improved care strategies and dedicated research efforts.
For more information on the initiatives spearheaded by the Parkinson's Foundation, visit Parkinson.org/Care.
About the Parkinson's Foundation
Established in 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by Parkinson's disease. With a history of investing over $474 million in pivotal research and clinical care, the foundation plays a vital role in advancing the understanding and treatment of this complex condition. Engage with them across various platforms including Facebook, X, and Instagram, or reach out at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
In conclusion, the roundtable scheduled for September 4 represents not only a crucial opportunity to address the pressing needs of those living with Parkinson's disease but also a significant step toward fostering innovation and collaboration in PD care nationally.
Topics Health）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.