Parkinson’s Disease is the world’s fastest-growing neurological disease, and yet it also remains one of the most mysterious and perplexing. Despite decades of progress in treating and understanding PD—much of it conducted at Columbia University, where modern research into Parkinson’s began—a cure has remained elusive. Given that the U.S. population is aging, and the number of people aged 65 years and older is increasing rapidly, we thought it was time to share the latest and most promising research from Columbia scientists and doctors. We spoke with some of the field’s most distinguished researchers to help break down the unusual characteristics of the disease and the fascinating ways in which Columbia neurologists and neuroscientists are confronting the riddles of Parkinson’s. And we humanize the condition, and emphasize the benefits of exercise and community, by visiting with alumni who belong to Ping Pong Parkinson’s, an international group with a chapter in Manhattan. After publication, we received letters from newly diagnosed alumni, expressing gratitude for the article. Some have joined Ping Pong Parkinson’s. One alumnus, the director of a prominent arts foundation, wrote, “Thanks for your informative writing. You are doing a lot for a lot of people.” That is the best sort of feedback we could hope for.
From the Judges
A beautifully written lead and we liked the sustained focus on the patient. We enjoyed the ending and felt the writer did a good job of explaining science in layman's terms.
