Research You Can Understand. Progress You Can Celebrate
Parkinson’s disease research is advancing at an exciting pace, but let’s be honest: it can also feel overwhelming. Scientific terms and complex studies can make it seem like researchers are speaking an entirely different language.
The good news? You don’t need a PhD to appreciate why these discoveries matter. Every breakthrough and learning, big or small, represents meaningful progress. And when people understand that progress, it becomes easier to feel hopeful about what’s ahead.
That’s why we’re committed to making Parkinson’s research more accessible and easier to understand.
One way we’re doing that is through educational conferences hosted at our APDA Centers for Advanced Research (CAR). This year, we welcomed the PD community to our CARs at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, CT, and Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA for a day of learning and conversation with leading researchers. These events allow people to hear directly from experts about the latest PD research and ask questions in real time.
We’re also bringing our APDA-funded researchers into communities across the country, partnering with APDA Chapters to speak at local programs and events, giving attendees the chance to hear firsthand about the work being done, why it matters, and how today’s discoveries could shape tomorrow’s treatments. These conversations connect scientists with the people whose lives are touched by Parkinson’s every day.
For those who can’t attend in person, many of our researchers have also recorded short videos that explain their work in clear, everyday language. These videos demystify the science while highlighting exciting progress. (Check out the Research playlist on our YouTube channel!)
We’re also hosting Understanding the Science Behind PD Clinical Trials, a three-part series to teach the fundamentals of biology and biochemistry, including DNA, RNA, proteins and antibodies, so you can understand some of the exciting treatments currently being tested in PD clinical trials. Keep an eye on apdaparkinson.org/events to register for these programs in September, October, and November.
By making it more understandable and approachable, we hope everyone affected by Parkinson’s can share in the optimism that comes with every new discovery.
To learn more about APDA’s research program and the groundbreaking work we’re helping to fund, visit our apdaparkinson.org/research. Together, we’re turning today’s discoveries into tomorrow’s hope.