From 1985 to 1990, Michael J. Fox entertained the world with his portrayals of Marty McFly in the Back to the Future series. Although Marty is figuring out time travel as he goes (which probably isn’t the best way to do that), he learns more about himself. At the same time, he educates others about their truths: their relationships, motivations, and goals. Just one year after the final movie in the trilogy, Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Now, just like Marty McFly helped others, the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is looking to educate and benefit scientists and clinicians.

Starting in June 2020 and continuing through October, the MJFF is offering a free 4-part webinar series on Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s Disease

There is no known cause of what causes dopaminergic cell death in people with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive central nervous disorder which impacts and hinders movement. Dopamine plays a key role in communicating between the brain and the rest of the body. But when dopamine-producing brain cells die, motor function suffers.

There are five stages of Parkinson’s disease, beginning with subtle hand tremors or shaking. However, by the mid-stage of Parkinson’s, many patients struggle with movement, walking, and balance. By the final stage, patients cannot live independently as they cannot walk or stand.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

• Muscle stiffness and rigidity
• Fatigue
• Depression and anxiety
• Bradykinesia, or slow muscle movement
• Dementia, confusion, and hallucinations
• Stuttering or slurring speech
• Problems with balance, posture, sitting, standing, and walking
• A tremor in the hands, particularly involving the rubbing together of the thumb and index finger
• Restless sleep
• Loss of the ability to blink or smile

Learn more about Parkinson’s disease.

Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF)

Most cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed after the age of 50. However, Michael J. Fox received his diagnosis in 1991 at the age of 29. Within 9 years of his diagnosis, he left the world of acting to focus on Parkinson’s research. In 2000, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was born. According to the Foundation’s website, MJFF:

is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today.

Beginning in June, the Michael J. Fox Foundation will offer a 4-part webinar series designed to educate clinicians and researchers on Parkinson’s disease treatments, research, and insights. While much of this would normally be shared at the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s annual Parkinson’s disease Therapeutics Convention, it is not possible this year. Many healthcare organizations and patient advocacy groups postponed or canceled their events because of COVID-19.

Note: All webinar descriptions are written by PW. If you are looking for the full descriptions, please click on the link above. 

June 16: “Patient-Focused Drug Development: Novel Instruments to Capture Patient Outcomes in Parkinson’s”

The first webinar in the series will take place on Tuesday, June 16, from 11am-12pm ET. It will be moderated by Catherine Kopil, PhD, VP-Research Partnerships for the MJFF.

MJFF Webinar Description: One crucial tool in measuring the patient experience during clinical trials are assessments. This webinar will explore research, funded by MJFF, that seeks to understand Parkinson’s symptoms and what patients would best like to manage. Panelists will consider how novel instruments, new methods, and specific processes can better connect clinicians with patients. Additionally, the webinar will discuss limitations and gaps in traditional assessments. As a result, panelists can highlight the need for, and development of, improved, patient-focused assessments.

Interested in registering for this session? Sign up here.

July (date TBD): “Molecular Signatures of Parkinson’s disease”

Currently, there is no set date for the July webinar. However, similar to the first webinar, it will be held from 11am-12pm. The moderator is Kenneth Marek, MD, President and Senior Scientist at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders.

MJFF Webinar Description: The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) is one of the MJFF’s most immersive and comprehensive studies. PPMI uses biologic sampling, imaging, and behavioral assessments to shape future research. Additionally, this data (collected in a biorepository) could help researchers identify specific biomarkers. Throughout this webinar, viewers will share insights from PPMI data analysis, and learn how these insights can contribute to therapeutic development.

Interested in learning more about the PPMI? You can discover the latest news here.

MJFF Webinar Description: The medical field is growing – and that includes programs to further Parkinson’s disease research. However, it is crucial to ensure that research and treatments are patient-focused. This webinar is open to patients with Parkinson’s disease, healthcare professionals, researchers, and care partners to discuss their own experiences with the condition. Ultimately, this webinar looks to explore symptom onset, the type of symptoms, disease progressions, and patients’ unmet needs in treatments and research. In understanding what is most important to patients, clinicians and researchers can focus their studies.

Interested in listening to Larry’s webinar? Check out “When Life Gives You Parkinson’s.”

October 8, MJFF’s Final Webinar: “Where We Are & Where We Are Heading: A Look Ahead at Therapeutic Development in Parkinson’s”

The final webinar is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, from 11am-12:30pm. The moderator is Dr. Fiona Marshall, PhD, the VP Head of Neuroscience and Head of MSD UK Discovery Research for Merck.

MJFF Webinar Description: What’s next for Parkinson’s disease research and treatment options? Well, that’s just what this webinar seeks to uncover! Academic and medical leaders will discuss changes in the field, upcoming studies or research opportunities, and targeted treatment development.

Currently, you are only able to register for the June session. However, registration for future sessions will soon be available on the MJFF website.