While much attention has focused on the potential for severe respiratory complications and unfavorable outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), the impact extends beyond these threats. Social distancing requires flexible adaptation to new circumstances, resilience, and a reduction in physical activities, which may be more difficult for patients with PD. A commentary published in this issue focuses on the current topic:

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Parkinson’s Disease: Hidden Sorrows and Emerging Opportunities – Open Access
Helmich, Rick C. | Bloem, Bastiaan R.

The authors comment: "The pathophysiology of PD puts patients at an increased risk of chronic stress, and a further worsening of this may well be one of the 'hidden sorrows' of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased psychological stress can worsen motor symptoms, while reducing the efficacy of dopaminergic medication." They also note that there is some evidence that stress can trigger latent PD. "A hopeful consequence of the current crisis has been the emergence of web-based exercise initiatives such as online singing, exercise, or dancing classes for PD patients," note the authors. "Self-management strategies that reduce stress, increase coping, or increase physical exercise will play an increasing role in the treatment of PD."

Read the full press release here or view the commentary in the new issue via the button below.

Ending Parkinson’s Disease: A Prescription for Action is a new book published by Public Affairs that tells the story of Parkinson’s and what we can do to end it. The book received praise in the review to be found this new issue of JPD, describted as "a joint collaboration between three practising Parkinson’s expert clinicians (Bas Bloem, Ray Dorsey, and Michael Okun), and one neuroscientist (Todd Sherer) who conducted ground-breaking research first linking Parkinson’s to pesticides. Written in clear engaging terms for the lay person,with helpful summary diagrams to explain underlying scientific concepts, there is also much of interest to a Parkinson’s clinician-researcher." The review by Michele Hu can be read in full here.

Coinciding with Parkinson’s Awareness Month, webcasts hosted by the authors will focus on advocacy, care, prevention, and treatment. Join Bas Bloem on Apr 8 for the "Care" webcast; Todd Sherer on Apr 15 for "Advocacy," and Ray Dorsey on Apr 22 for "Prevention." Watch all the webcasts live for free on each date at 13:00 (ET) / 21:00 CEST; register here for the webcasts.

Visit the website to find out more: endingpd.org

New Partnership Announced

We are very pleased to announce a new partnership between JPD and the World Parkinson Coalition (WPC), an organization which fills a unique niche in the global Parkinson's community by bringing the full spectrum of community members together at its triennial World Parkinson Congresses (the next one takes place in 2022 in Spain). WPC is committed to supporting research in the field to encourage collaboration among all the parties dedicated to the study of Parkinson's and has cultivated a strong partnership with leading members of the PD community. The partnership will see our respective teams working together to give a platform to the latest developments in PD research.

Further details of this new partnership will be announced in due course

WPC Virtual Care Partner Series

In this, the first WPC news section in our JPD newsletter, we introduce the Virtual Care Partner Series. This is a series of webcasts on a variety of relevant topics. Each will have a virtual panel that will be accessible and meaningful with tips and advice from people with many years of experience in the Parkinson’s space. Viewers may submit questions directly to the panelists during the live program. Visit the website for more information and details about how to register for the upcoming online events.

Discover more about the WPC Virtual Care Partner Series by clicking the visual below

This is no ordinary Parkinson's Awareness Month and many plans to promote the great research in this field throughout April have had to be cancelled. Nevertheless, we do still wish to mark the occasion of World Parkinson Day on April 11. Via social media (Twitter only), we will giving one lucky person the chance to win a free 1-year online subscription to JPD.

What you need to do to enter on April 11

To enter, go to the JPD Twitter account and:
* Like the post dated April 11 on JPD's Twitter stream; or
* Do one retweet of the post dated April 11 on JPD's Twitter stream.

Note: Multiple retweets in a single day are a violation of contest rules and will not be accepted.

All entries will be collated on April 13, a drawing will be made, and one winner will be selected. The winning person will be informed no later than April 15.