Transforming Care in the US: Four High-Impact Solutions for Parkinson’s

The Parkinson’s Foundation has recently unveiled a new national strategy aimed at addressing some of the most significant hurdles people face after a diagnosis. As the number of people living with Parkinson’s continues to rise, it is becoming clear that our current systems of care need to evolve. The foundation has identified four key priorities that could change the landscape of support and treatment for everyone involved. 1. Supporting Local Doctors Through Expert Networks While we all wish for a specialist on our doorstep, the reality is that most people with Parkinson’s receive their care from general neurologists or primary care doctors. There are only about 660 movement disorder specialists across the United States, which leaves a huge gap in expert knowledge. The solution is to create education and consultation networks. By connecting local community doctors with top specialists, we can ensure that every person with Parkinson's receives evidence-based, high-quality care without having to travel hundreds of miles. It’s about equipping the doctors you already see with the latest tools and research. 2. Tailored Care That Focuses on the Whole Person Parkinson’s is not just about movement; it affects mental health, nutrition, and general well-being. A "one-size-fits-all" approach simply doesn't work. The second priority is to develop an integrated care model that connects people to a full team of experts, including physiotherapists, mental health counsellors, and dietitians. This model is designed to be adaptable so it can work in both busy cities and remote rural areas. The goal is to speed up the time it takes to get a diagnosis and to ensure that once you have one, you aren't left to navigate a confusing web of services on your own. 3. Sharing Information Seamlessly Across the Care Team One of the most frustrating parts of managing a complex condition is having to repeat your history to every new doctor you see. Currently, different medical systems often struggle to "talk" to each other, which can lead to gaps in your treatment plan. The foundation is pushing for a standardized clinical data set—a universal language for Parkinson’s care. If every clinician can access the same essential information about your past treatments and current needs, they can tailor your care more accurately. In the long run, this shared data will also help researchers better understand the condition and find new breakthroughs. 4. Policy Action to Make Care Accessible The final piece of the puzzle is moving these ideas into the real world through policy change. High-quality care only works if people can afford it and access it easily. This means advocating for better insurance coverage, making telehealth a permanent fixture, and ensuring that new technologies and treatments move through the regulatory process more quickly. By focusing on these four areas, the community is moving toward a future where "living well" with Parkinson's is the standard, regardless of where you live or what your budget might be.