A Call to Action: Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Parkinson’s Research and Care

Abstract

The current base of knowledge around Parkinson’s disease has been assembled in partnership with a cohort of participants that does not resemble the diversity of people with the disease. This poor representation in research results in an incomplete picture of the disease and disparities in care. The Michael J. Fox Foundation has defined four major areas of action: 1) identifying barriers and solutions to research participation; 2) funding inclusive research with greater participant diversity; 3) building a clinician/researcher workforce committed to health equity; and 4) supporting a more holistic understanding of PD. While factors driving disparities, including broader societal challenges, are complex, it is imperative that the PD research, care, and patient communities move in a decisive and coordinated fashion to identify and implement strategies that advance treatments for everyone with PD and eliminate care inequities.