Parkinson’s disease (PD) impacts millions of people around the world, and it does not discriminate based on gender. But while PD affects men and women with some similarities, the manifestation, progression, and even treatment responses can differ significantly between genders, in addition to important discrepancies related to healthcare access and psychosocial factors that can impact quality of life.
Gaining a better understanding of PD in women is essential to providing them the best possible care and support, and many efforts to do so have been made and continue to take place. Initiatives like the Women’s Parkinson’s Project and “Women and PD Teams to Advance Learning and Knowledge” (“Women and PD TALK”) – which APDA’s president and CEO Leslie A. Chambers participated in – are committed to understanding and addressing the gender disparities in Parkinson’s research and care to provide better treatment and resources tailored specifically for women.
