Health Emergency Declaration (HED)
The National Black Church Initiative, A Coalition of 150,000 Black Churches, Is Joining with The Michael J Fox Foundation In Raising
Awareness of Parkinson's Disease in the African-American Community
NBCI launches educational programs in Houston, TX, and St. Louis, MO.
The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a coalition of 150,000 African
African American churches and 27.7 million members are joining the Michael J. Fox
Foundation, which is helping to raise awareness of Parkinson's Disease in the African American
community. We are launching an educational pilot program in two cities: Houston, TX, and St.
Louis, MO.Parkinson’s is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder. In other words, it is a lifelong condition that affects the brain and worsens over time. Parkinson’s happens when cells in the brain that produce dopamine stop working or die. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that sends messages between nerve cells or between nerve cells and muscle cells to help the body function. It plays many roles in the body and affects physical and mental functions.
Rev. Anthony Evans, President of the National Black Church Initiative, says, “We are both honored and proud of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for their brilliant research and advocacy concerning Parkinsons Disease. NBCI’s effort is governed by our commitment to increase education and clinical research awareness and opportunities for both African American clinicians and patients. Our vision is to work in partnership with the Foundation to create a level-one educational and clinical delivery system to educate and empower our members toward a cure for this dreadful disease. This partnership underscores our commitment to fulfilling the principles of the NBCI National Black Health Agenda.
The cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s are resting tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement (also called bradykinesia), feeling unsteady and having difficulties with balance (also called postural instability). Because these symptoms are related to movement, they are called “motor symptoms,” Parkinson’s is classified as a “movement disorder.”
Research indicates that African Americans are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease compared to other racial groups, often receiving a diagnosis at a later stage of the disease due to factors like limited access to healthcare, historical exclusion from research studies, and potential biases in medical practices, leading to disparities in diagnosis and treatment within the Black community; this means that while the disease may affect African Americans, they are less likely to be identified as having it compared to other populations.
Preview: Michael J. Fox on Parkinson's: "Every day it gets tougher"
@michaeljfoxfoundation #parkinsonsdisease
The Black Church Joins the Fight Against Parkinson’s Disease and is Working Toward a Cure
BlackParkD News
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder of the nervous system. It causes nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain to weaken, become damaged, and die. This leads to symptoms like movement problems, tremor, stiffness, and impaired balance. As symptoms progress, people with PD may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing simple tasks.
Who is at risk for Parkinson’s Disease?Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder of the nervous system. It causes nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain to weaken, become damaged, and die. This leads to symptoms like movement problems, tremor, stiffness, and impaired balance. As symptoms progress, people with PD may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing simple tasks.
Although the cause of most Parkinson's disease cases is unknown, researchers believe it is caused by multiple factors. Some of these risk factors include:
- Aging. The greatest risk factor for PD is aging, and researchers expect the number of people with PD to double by 2040 due to an aging population.
- Environment. Factors like head injury, pesticide exposure or stressors of military service (like traumatic brain injury or exposure burn pits) are associated with an increased risk of developing PD
- Genetics. Researchers estimate about 30% of PD risk is explained by genetics. Several genes increase the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) but don't guarantee the disease.
- In 2023, researchers found a GBA gene variant - tinyurl.com/yj78bdy3 that raises PD risk in people of African ancestry.
A Call to Action: Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Parkinson’s Research and Care
The current base of knowledge around Parkinson’s disease has been assembled in partnership with a cohort of participants that does not resemble the diversity of people with the disease. This poor representation in research results in an incomplete picture of the disease and disparities in care. The Michael J. Fox Foundation has defined four major areas of action: 1) identifying barriers and solutions to research participation; 2) funding inclusive research with greater participant diversity; 3) building a clinician/researcher workforce committed to health equity; and 4) supporting a more holistic understanding of PD.While factors driving disparities, including broader societal challenges, are complex, it is imperative that the PD research, care, and patient communities move in a decisive and coordinated fashion to identify and implement strategies that advance treatments for everyone with PD and eliminate care inequities.
Parkinson’s Disease in African Americans: A Review of the Current Literature
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, though evidence suggests that this disorder does not affect all racial groups similarly. Research in African Americans, in particular, has been conflicting. Some studies have found similar prevalence rates in African Americans and whites whereas other studies have found much lower prevalence and incidence rates in African Americans. A few studies identify potential factors underlying these discrepancies, including biologic differences as well as disparities in healthcare access. However, African Americans remain underrepresented in research studies, which make understanding the underlying reasons for these differences difficult.The purpose of this paper is to summarize existing research in African Americans with PD, highlight some of the reasons why differences exist in diagnostic rates of PD in this population, and briefly discuss interventions that may need to be made in order to ensure adequate care is provided to these patients.
As a library, NLM provides access to scientific literature. Inclusion in an NLM database does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents by NLM or the National Institutes of Health.
Take Action on Parkinson’s Awareness
While April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, any time of year is a time to come together to raise awareness and advance research toward a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Whether you’re new to our community or a longtime supporter, together we can make a difference.
A Guide for Navigating Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s 360: Real Talk for Patients and Families is a guide to help patients and their families navigate life with PD. (Accesa nuestra guía en Español.)
The Latest in Parkinson's Research
Read the latest developments, reporting and analysis from the world of Parkinson's research, including progress made in studies, tools and collaborations.
Perspectives on Parkinson’s
Scientists, doctors and people with Parkinson's discuss different aspects of life with the disease as well as research updates on The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast.
The NBCI Parkinson's Awareness Initiative is part of the National Black Health Agenda
