Michael J. Fox Foundation Leaders Join Federal Parkinson's Advisory Council

Event summary

  • Deborah W. Brooks (CEO) and Israel Robledo (Patient Council Member) appointed to the Federal Advisory Council on Parkinson's Research, Care and Services.
  • Council will guide the National Parkinson's Project (NPP), a whole-of-government initiative to accelerate research and treatments for Parkinson's disease.
  • NPP authorized by Congress in 2024 with near-unanimous bipartisan support and signed into law.
  • Parkinson's disease affects over 1.2 million people in the U.S. and cost $82.2 billion in 2024.
  • Michael J. Fox Foundation played a central role in mobilizing grassroots effort to secure congressional support for the NPP.

The big picture

The appointment of Michael J. Fox Foundation leaders to the Federal Advisory Council underscores the growing recognition of Parkinson's disease as a national health priority. The NPP represents a significant shift in how the U.S. government approaches neurological diseases, aiming to align federal agencies and accelerate scientific progress. With Parkinson's disease being the fastest-growing neurological condition in the U.S., the initiative's success could set a precedent for future whole-of-government health strategies.

What we're watching

Policy Execution
Whether the NPP can sustain momentum and deliver meaningful progress in Parkinson's research and treatment.
Funding Priorities
How the Council will prioritize research investments to meet the growing economic burden of Parkinson's disease.
Patient Impact
The pace at which improvements in quality of life for Parkinson's patients and their families will be achieved.

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