You Can Put Breakthroughs Within Reach

Dear Friend,  What if Parkinson's disease (PD) could be diagnosed through a simple eye scan at the optometrist's office?  This idea isn't as far-fetched as it may sound. The Parkinson's-implicated protein alpha-synuclein has been shown to clump in retinal tissue of people with Parkinson's disease. Now, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is supporting research to develop a tool to measure these clumps through a non-invasive retinal tissue scan. This test could help screen for PD, diagnose it earlier and more precisely track the disease as it progresses.  This retinal scan is one of 39 promising new research studies MJFF has recently funded as part of our ongoing mission to address patients' most pressing needs -- a testament to our leave-no-stone-unturned pursuit of scientific breakthroughs.  But we need YOU to help us put new breakthroughs within reach.  Other studies selected include testing the asthma drug clenbuterol, which has shown potential to stop Parkinson's in its tracks; profiling Parkinson's-related biological changes that occur with pesticide exposure, a known environmental risk factor for developing PD; and analyzing "activities of daily living" (like getting dressed, eating and bathing) as a predictor of Parkinson's dementia.    At MJFF, we spend every dollar we raise as quickly as possible, so we are constantly identifying the next crop of research projects to back. But we still see more promising ideas than we're able to fund.  MJFF will continue to prioritize patient needs and financially support promising projects that merit our funding and attention -- and we can reach a cure if we work together. Please give generously today.  Thank you.  The Team at MJFF  P.S. For more information on recently funded studies, watch the first video in our new Ask the PhD series.