At the University of Toronto, Dr. Antonio Strafella conducts imaging studies on the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease. He’s using a new tracer, or chemical, that can highlight changes in the brain that show up on Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. Strafella is studying the density of the synapses, or connections, in brain cells … Read more
Mona and Alan Fox arrive early to begin another day of meetings and volunteering at the Imara Clinic in the Mukuru district of Nairobi. The Clinic, on the edge of the Mukuru informal settlement, had serious financial problems and Alan and Mona decided to help. They joined the Rotary Club of Eganville and have returned … Read more
Communities across Canada rallied in support of people living with Parkinson’s and in search of a cure earlier this month. More than 10,000 participants including 4,000 walkers came together to raise $2.35 million. People living with Parkinson’s were joined by family and friends, healthcare professionals, dedicated volunteers, and researchers across the country. Participants and supporters … Read more
In her small community of 200 outside of Yarmouth, Jackie is affectionately called the “unicorn.” Her endurance and optimism while battling a rare combination of diseases, including Parkinson’s, continue to baffle her medical team. As early as six years old, she recalls her fingers going numb and toes curling under. Then the choking began. Today … Read more
In his play, Daddy’s Boy, (performed at the 2018 Edmonton and Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festivals), Erik de Waal offers a deeply personal, honest, truly loving, and at times, funny perspective on his relationship with his father (Frikkie). The story centers around the impact of Parkinson’s disease on their relationship. The play reflects on the challenges … Read more
Finding the right path: PlexinC1-negative dopaminergic neurons for personalized cell replacement therapy of Parkinson’s disease At Laval University, Master’s student Caroline Lafrechoux is investigating how to guide the axons, or the connectors, between transplanted cells in the area of the brain where dopamine-producing cells are dying. If she can find a way to guide the … Read more
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for cognitive enhancement in Parkinson’s Disease: Evaluation of clinical effect and functional brain changes The brain’s ability to rewire itself by forming new connections among neurons—a concept called neuroplasticity—is one of the most exciting, hopeful developments to emerge from brain research in the past three decades. With a two-year $30,000 Parkinson Canada … Read more
Here’s a snapshot of where to find current happenings and publications. About Parkinson Canada SuperWalk Help us celebrate the everyday heroes who inspire extraordinary hope. Parkinson SuperWalk is the largest nationwide fundraising event for Parkinson Canada. Approximately 10,000 people from coast-to-coast organize and take part in Parkinson SuperWalk. Webinars 2018 Webinars—next one is on September … Read more