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- Stephanie Soto
- Apr 21
- 1 min read
Updated: May 9
Brought to you by News Channel 13 and STAND UP TO PARKINSON'S
When: Tuesday 5/20 & Wednesday 5/21
Where: True Pickleball Club, 195 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110
Registration fee $200 per Team
All proceeds support Stand up to Parkinson's.
Sign up and join us in supporting the Parkinson's community.
- Stephanie Soto
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 24
There are so many new medications being researched and developed for PD. Two recent studies looked at the effectiveness of tavapadon, a new medication that is not yet approved for consumers. It's results were very promising. Let's dive in.
Tavapadon was developed by AbbVie. Tavapadon is a once-daily pill that is expected to help people maximize their motor symptoms without seeing the adverse effects of dopaminergic medications (levodopa). So far, there have been two trials that have been completed around the new medication. Both trials were multi-centered, meaning multiple different clinics participated in the trial. This helps reduce selection bias and gives more credibility to the results.
The first trial focused on people who were newly diagnosed with PD and did not have any medications. The thought was that Tavapadon would help delay the use of levodopa. 224 people were included in this study over 4 years. There was a control group, which took a placebo pill. The Tavapadon group showed a significant improvements in motor function compared to the placebo group. Nausea, headache, and dizziness were the most common side effects, although rare.
The second trial looked at people with more advanced PD. Over 400 people participated in this study, which also included a placebo group. In order to participate, you must experience at least 2 hours of "off" time. The tavapadon group experienced an increase of 1 hour of "on" time more than the placebo group. The tavapadon group showed a reduction of .9 hours of "off" time compared to the placebo. This means, more "on" time with less "off" time! The most common side effects were nausea, dyskinesia, and dizziness.
Each trial lasted for 27 weeks. Currently, there is another trial underway which will task for 58 weeks.
So far the results are extremely promising. I am sure all of you would love to only take 1 pill a day, instead of having to take multiple pills a day, time your medications with your meals, or worry about being consistent with your schedule. The last trial is expected to end in early 2026, so this medication could hit the market relatively soon after the trial is over.
Sources
- Stephanie Soto
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 20
With today being World Parkinson's Day, I wanted to take a minute and share ways you can spread awareness.
Share on Social Media
There are several pre-made Parkinson's awareness pictures that are ready for you to download and share on all social media platforms
Spark The Night: A Beacon of Hope in Our Fight Against Parkinson’s.
"Spark the Night" represents our mission to illuminate cities worldwide in unity and support for the 11.8 million people living with Parkinson’s. On April 11, 2025, each blue light will shine as a symbol of a story, a voice, and an unwavering commitment to a better future for those affected by the disease.
STAND UP TO PARKINSON’S
STAND UP TO PARKINSON’S represents global members of the Parkinson’s community who know that exercise can slow the progression of the disease.
On April 11, 2025 join individuals and organizations from around the world in the commitment to stand up to Parkinson’s Disease by collectively completing 2,000,000 Sit to Stands in 24 hours!
30-Mile Move Challenge
This challenge is all about achieving 30 miles your way in April, during Parkinson's Awareness Month, while raising funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to support breakthroughs that will benefit every life touched by Parkinson's disease, helping us get one step closer to a cure.
Register for a Moving Day
Finger lakes: May 3rd
Westchester County: May 17th
Time Square Billboard
The PD Avengers have a digital billboard on Times Square this week. It's a :10 video that airs every 90 seconds. See the video below or visit it in person!
Donate
Several organizations contribute to research advancements, local initiatives, legislation changes, education, and so much more. Please consider donating or sharing this message with family and friends this World Parkinson's Day. Let's all continue the fight to end Parkinson's.