LIVING WITH PARKINSON'S

An estimated 7 to 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive brain disorder that leads to tremors and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination. There is no known cure.

Merck is one of 13 industry partners working to identify biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease progression as part of the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study sponsored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

“Current research is focused on identifying the disease before symptoms arise and slowing down the progression of the disease,” said Ken Marek, principal investigator for the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative.

Yet, even as research continues worldwide, people like Carol Schulte must cope with the day-to-day realities of the disease.

See a short documentary on Carol’s experience with Parkinson's disease (6 minutes).

Click on the thumbnail images below to see the extended chapters.

Major Parkinson's Research Initiatives

"Without us there can't be any research. Without research there can't be any new methods, any new medicines; there can't be any new cures." Carol Schulte, who has Parkinson's disease, on the importance of patients participating in research.

National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) Parkinson's Outcomes Project
The Parkinson's Outcome Project is an international clinical study that tracks and monitors the care and health outcomes of patients at participating NPF Centers of Excellence. The goal is to identify which treatment and care strategies have the greatest impact on lessening the burden of the disease, and potentially changing its course. Learn more

Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF)
Parkinson's Advocates in Research Program
Through in-person training and an online course, the Parkinson's Advocates in Research Program (PAIR) provides people touched by Parkinson's with the knowledge and skills needed to "pair up" with scientists and health professionals in advancing research and speeding new treatments. Learn more

The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has secured 13 industry partners on its landmark clinical study to discover biomarkers for Parkinson's disease progression in patients. Merck is one of those partners. Learn more about PPMI

Parkinson's Disease Resources

LIVING WITH PARKINSON'S

Watch the full extended version
(13 min.)

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