Rock and stroll in NYC – US Unity Walk

Global update

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 7 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

The 21st edition of Parkinson’s US Unity Walk (PUW) to raise awareness and funds for research into the disease takes place this weekend (25 April 2015) in New York’s Central Park.

Come rain or shine, participants will walk 1.4 miles through the capital city’s leafy park where 100% of donations go to research. It will be a day of community and education with information booths, representatives from sponsors and healthcare experts giving out information and resources to members of Parkinson’s community. So far, over one million dollars has been raised.

“You can be a champ like my father was and help punch out Parkinson’s”
– May May Ali

May May Ali, daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali and long-term campaigner for people with Parkinson’s, is set to join the action on Saturday. She spoke exclusively to Parkinson’s Life on the importance of early diagnosis and what makes the Unity Walks so special.

Read our interview with May May here.

“Be one of the thousands bringing us one step closer to curing Parkinsons”
– Michael J. Fox

Let us know if you are heading to the event on Twitter and join the conversation via #puw2015. Post your photos and live updates and we’ll feature the best ones in a special report next week.

Full details on the Unity Walk here.

Last Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Global update

Sir Billy Connolly: a lifetime of helping others

We revisit the comedy legend's best charity moments

An update on Parkinson’s 100 Challenge: Dom’s Duathlon

After bouncing back from injury, we hear from one proud challenger

Racing around Iceland for Parkinson’s: it’s snow joke

Campaigner John MacPhee shares his highlights from a gruelling 57-hour bike

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham has won a World Parkinson Coalition (WPC) award for her contribution to the Parkinson’s community. Lizzie is one of four people set to receive the Robin Elliott Award – which is given out every three years to individuals whose efforts best embody the goals and ethos of the WPC. She will be presented with the award in a ceremony at the World Parkinson’s Congress, which will be held in Barcelona later this year. Commenting on the news of Lizzie’s award, Parkinson’s Europe President, Veronica Clark, said: “Lizzie is Lizzie, and we love her for who she is and what she has done for us all – for people with Parkinson’s past and present and, I’m sure, future.” Lizzie co-founded the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (renamed Parkinson’s Europe last year) in 1992. She has since held several roles within the organisation – including secretary general and…

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Cognitive impairment can affect some people with Parkinson’s – and may greatly impact their quality of life. Now, researchers in China have examined the possible risk factors for cognitive impairment in those with the condition. The study analysed data from 409 people with Parkinson’s within two years of their involvement in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) – an international study that follows people with and without the condition over time. The participants, who were newly diagnosed and experiencing normal cognitive function at the start of the research, were studied for at least five years. Published in ‘Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience’, the results indicate that older age at onset, high blood pressure and worse baseline motor symptoms may be among factors that could contribute to an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment. The researchers cautioned that “a larger sample and much more comprehensive assessment, and prolonged follow-up, will be required”.

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

Frailty can refer to a reduction in physical function, and its attributes – including a slow walking speed and weak grip – are commonly experienced by people with Parkinson’s. Until now, there has been limited insight into the link between frailty and the risk of developing the condition over time. This is what led researchers at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China to analyse data from a large UK study, which was gathered over a 12-year period. Published in JAMA Neurology, the analysis found that frailty may be linked to an 87% higher risk of developing the condition. Commenting on the results, the researchers said: “These findings indicate that physical frailty is a potential risk factor for [Parkinson’s], and the assessment and management of frailty might have clinical significance in the at-risk population.”

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Rock and stroll in NYC – US Unity Walk

Global update

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 7 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

“You can be a champ like my father was and help punch out Parkinson’s”
– May May Ali

“Be one of the thousands bringing us one step closer to curing Parkinsons”
– Michael J. Fox

Last Month

Share this story

Comments

Global update

Sir Billy Connolly: a lifetime of helping others

Global update

An update on Parkinson’s 100 Challenge: Dom’s Duathlon

Interviews

Racing around Iceland for Parkinson’s: it’s snow joke

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Rock and stroll in NYC – US Unity Walk

Global update

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 7 April 2015

“You can be a champ like my father was and help punch out Parkinson’s” – May May Ali

“Be one of the thousands bringing us one step closer to curing Parkinsons” – Michael J. Fox

Last Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Global update

Sir Billy Connolly: a lifetime of helping others

Global update

An update on Parkinson’s 100 Challenge: Dom’s Duathlon

Interviews

Racing around Iceland for Parkinson’s: it’s snow joke

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in

“You can be a champ like my father was and help punch out Parkinson’s”
– May May Ali

“Be one of the thousands bringing us one step closer to curing Parkinsons”
– Michael J. Fox