More than 250 Parkinson’s patients, caregivers, and researchers from 45 states gathered in Washington this week, urging Congress to step up investment in Parkinson’s research and take stronger public health action.
The advocates, attending the 2025 Parkinson’s Policy Forum, are calling for federal research funding to reach $600 million annually by 2028 to accelerate treatment and cures for Parkinson’s, the fastest-growing neurological disease in the U.S. and worldwide. They are also pressing for the swift implementation of the National Parkinson’s Project (NPP) and a nationwide ban on paraquat, a toxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s that is already outlawed in 70 countries.
The forum — hosted by The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the American Parkinson Disease Association, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the Parkinson’s & Movement Disorder Alliance — marks the first in-person Capitol Hill advocacy day since 2019. Lawmakers including Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) were honored for their leadership on Parkinson’s issues.
Speakers emphasized both urgency and opportunity: the U.S. spends more than $52 billion annually on Parkinson’s care, yet cases continue to rise, with one American diagnosed every six minutes. Advocates argue that a bold federal response is needed to sustain scientific breakthroughs and improve quality of life for the more than 1 million Americans living with Parkinson’s today.
Lonnie Ali, widow of Muhammad Ali, addressed the gathering, highlighting the power of advocacy: “When this community comes together, we shine a light on the path forward. Advocacy is about pushing for better care, more support, and a brighter future.”
Alongside in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, thousands more supporters are participating virtually through the National Day of Action, emailing lawmakers in support of increased funding and policy change.
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