Picture a life where every movement is a battle — your hands and limbs tremble against your will, your find yourself off balance and uncoordinated, your sense of smell disappears, and muscle pain and stiffness strikes without warning. This is the harsh reality faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease every single day.
More than 110,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s, including 8,000 here in Ottawa. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects voluntary, controlled movement. Despite being discovered almost 200 years ago, the exact cause of the disease is unknown, and there is still no cure or proven treatment available to eliminate symptoms. A person can develop Parkinson’s disease at any time in their life and it can progress at a different rate for everyone.
While medication can help manage symptoms, the following therapies can play a vital role in symptom management:
• Physical therapy improves mobility, flexibility, and balance.
• Occupational therapy assists with daily activities and independence.
• Speech therapy helps with voice control and communication.
• Exercise strengthens muscles and joints, while boosting overall health and well-being.
Living with Parkinson’s disease requires a personalized approach that covers every aspect of a patient’s life. This includes managing physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges, as well as adjusting to changes in daily routines and activities.
Parkinson’s research at our new hospital
Neuroscience research at new hospital campus will have the potential to be among the best in the world.
It will bring basic neuroscientists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other experts together to accelerate how quickly research gets from the lab to the bedside of patients.
There will be state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a hub for more than 400 researchers, clinicians, trainees, and staff working on brain-related conditions including Parkinson’s disease.
“Our ageing western societies will be faced with many more patients with Parkinson’s over the coming decades. In many ways, Parkinson’s is both complicated and complex. I strongly believe that together we can solve the riddle. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform neurological care by taking research to new heights in Ottawa and by building the technologically most advanced hospital for the citizens of Ottawa, for Ontarians and for the country.”
– Dr. Schlossmacher, Director of Neuroscience at Ottawa Hospital
Recent Milestones in Parkinson’s Disease Research
• Publication of Canada’s first Parkinson’s care guideline and its revision in 2019.
• Development of an Intergrated Parkinson’s Care Network driven by patients.
• Development of a prediction tool model for Parkinson’s disease.
• Development of a simplified smell test.
• Development of mouse models that mimic different forms of Parkinson’s.
• Participation and leadership in new drug treatment trials for Parkinson’s.
Partners Investing in Parkinson Research (PIPR)
In 2009, a group of investment advisors from Ottawa’s financial community came together to create Partners Investing in Parkinson Research (PIPR). Their initial goal was to raise $500,000 to fund research aimed at better understanding and diagnosing Parkinson’s disease. Since then, PIPR has grown to include countless individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s, all united in their commitment to advancing research. To date, PIPR has successfully raised 1.8 million dollars.
Chaired by Andrew Frank of RBC Dominion Securities, PIPR members reach out to the community at large to raise vital funds to support leading edge Parkinson Research at The Ottawa Hospital.
PIPR has provided important base funding to researchers, allowing them to leverage further grants and make incredible medical advancements. PIPR has not only helped to fund research for the treatment and cure of Parkinson’s disease, but it has also encouraged the community to support the cause that previously received little attention. Above all, the PIPR team has given hope to those who live with this persistent disease.
PIPR is always open to new members and encourages anyone interested to join!
Support Parkinson’s Research
Support ongoing research efforts by donating, or by calling 613-761-4295. For more information about the research or how to join the team, contact Karen Lawrence, Development Officer, Philanthropy, at 613-737-8899, ext: 72941, or klawrence@toh.ca.
Learn more about PIPR and hear about some of the exciting research advancements on Episode 34 of Pulse, featuring Dr. Julianna Tomlinson and Kim Teron.
