The Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) invites research professionals within industry, academia and government to partner with its trained patient advocates to bring about better treatments for Parkinson's disease. This week, PDF welcomes new members to its national network, which now includes more than 230 research advocates whose insights are critical to speeding drug development.

In the past five years, more than 400 research professionals have engaged PDF research advocates in setting research priorities, designing clinical trials and increasing study enrollment.  These partnerships have led to, among other outcomes, 700 people enrolling in clinical studies.

This week, more than 30 people with Parkinson's disease and care partners are undergoing training to join the network.

"I urge my colleagues in the field of Parkinson's disease research to work with these unique individuals.  It is incredibly effective," said Claire Henchcliffe, M.D., D.Phil., faculty member for the program, director of the PDF Research Center at Weill Cornell Medical College and associate professor of neurology and neuroscience in the Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. "In my experience, PDF research advocates can enhance our work by bringing an understanding of what it means to live with Parkinson's disease."

Linda M. Morgan, M.B.A., R.Ph., a PDF research advocate from Asheville, N.C., who also is a faculty member for the program, said, "The community increasingly is recognizing the importance of the patient's voice. We want research professionals to know that, thanks to PDF's training and support, we are ready to hit the ground running to improve trials and solve Parkinson's disease."