Here are some of the areas where we think a Spark is necessary and where we are working to create one:

1. Early diagnosis The earlier PD patients are diagnosed and exposed to those dimensions of physical and mental exercise and possible medications that may best help them, the more likely they are to have a better quality of life for a longer period of time. Unfortunately, not all medical care professionals understand this, and ProjectSpark is committed to raising awareness in the medical community in a way that we believe will give literally tens of thousands of patients a better quality of life.

2. Value of exerciseExciting new developments in the use of exercise in PD are happening, but again, many in the medical community don’t understand the power of exercise, particularly in relation to neuroprotection, potential neuro-regeneration and neuroplasticity, all of which have enormous implications for patients with Parkinson’s.

3. Clinical TrialsOnly 1% of Parkinson's patients ever participate in clinical trials, yet clinical trials are a key stage in the identification and development of drugs which both may alleviate the symptoms of those with Parkinson's and ultimately cure Parkinson’s disease.

ProjectSpark is dedicated to identifying ways which will encourage newly diagnosed Parkinson's patients to participate in clinical trials, not only for their own benefit but to create a legacy of involvement and concern which will help accelerate the elimination of the disease.