Parkinson's Foundation

At the Parkinson Foundation (PF) we make life better for people with Parkinson’s through expert care and research. Everything we do helps people actively enjoy life with their friends, families, children and grandchildren until there is a tomorrow without Parkinson’s.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people. Most people's symptoms take years to develop, and they live for years with the disease.

How common is PD?

• In the US, 90,000 people are diagnosed each year.
• An estimated 1 million Americans currently live with PD, including 17,088 people served by the MN & Dakotas Chapter
• The prevalence of PD will increase in the next 20 years as the average age of the population increases.

The Minnesota & Dakotas Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation provides the local Parkinson’s community with access to local resources and services such as support groups, wellness classes, and education programs.

How do we help people with Parkinson’s? In the last five years, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested nearly $1 million to advance research, improve care and connect people with essential educational tools in the Minnesota & Dakotas Chapter. Here are some of the ways we are making a local impact:

In the last five years, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested $566,309 in innovative research, improved care, education and resources for the Minnesota Dakotas Parkinson’s disease (PD) community. Here are some of the ways we are making a local impact:

Research

• 3 researchers received grants totaling $18,000.
• 474 people joined PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease, our global research study that provides genetics testing and counseling at no cost to people with Parkinson’s.

Improving Care

• 2,118 people relied on our Hospital Safety Guide to prepare for hospital stays.
• 317 health professionals trained in best-practice PD care.
• $300,000 funded to support life-changing care to 13,964 people at 1 Center of Excellence in our Chapter.

Education and Resources

• 2,665 Helpline calls and emails answered, providing expert support and referrals.
• 47,872 free publications distributed in English and Spanish.
• 4,982 people attended Parkinson’s educational programs, both in person and virtual.
• 7,335 people received services through 19 community grants totaling $248,309.
• $1,430,066 raised through events like Moving Day Walks and Parkinson’s Revolution, uniting 3250 people to celebrate movement and raise PD awareness.

Thanks to supporters like you, we are advancing PD research, improving access to quality care and offering free resources and support to people with PD in our area. There are many ways you can help support the Minnesota & Dakotas Chapter. Whatever form your gift takes, you can be confident that it helps provide crucial resources for people living with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners and loved ones.