Dr. Ray Dorsey, MD, MBA, and Dr. Michael S. Okun’s new book, A Parkinson’s Plan, is now available in print and audio. Already a New York Times Bestseller, A Parkinson’s Plan outlines what Parkinson’s is, how it affects families, and the dangers of chemicals that have been proven to worsen the symptoms of the disease, and what steps we, as a society, need to take to make changes in our society and in our daily lives.
There are projections of up to 25.2 million cases worldwide of Parkinson’s Disease by 2050. It is estimated that approximately 240 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each day or every six minutes, according to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. Exposure to pesticides used in farming, chemicals applied on golf courses, contaminants in our water supply, and pollutants in the air are increasingly being linked to rising cases of Parkinson’s disease.
The impact goes beyond individuals. Parkinson’s carries a heavy emotional, physical, and financial burden on families, caregivers, and healthcare systems. The costs of treatment, medications, and long-term care in the U.S. alone are estimated at more than $50 billion annually, and that number is expected to rise sharply as prevalence grows. This makes Parkinson’s not only a medical crisis but also a public health and economic challenge that requires urgent attention, investment in research, and stronger efforts at prevention.
Read about the growing crisis, and learn how you can make 25 simple changes to help you and future generations lower your risk of Parkinson’s Disease with “A Parkinson’s Plan” at pdplan.org
