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About Our Research Model

In 2006, we created a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to evaluate a multitude of research grant proposals. Our SAB now encompasses thirteen members, from five nationally renowned institutions, who meet regularly and work collaboratively. We funded nine research proposals (over $400,000) in 2007 touching on a variety of Quality of Life (QOL) issues for Parkinson's patients, including depression, exercise and balance, speech therapy, and deep-brain stimulation. Ninety percent of foundations funds go directly to research, education and awareness programs.

One of the key differences between the Davis Phinney Foundation and many other disease-related research organizations is the way we select and fund our researchers. We believe breakthroughs in medical understanding, like innovations in medical treatments, often come about through out of the box thinking. For this reason, we support scientists who are often pursuing ideas of their own, rather than ideas proposed by a research foundation. Moreover, our funds are selectively distributed to researchers in order to build a true multi-disciplinary and mult-institutional aproach. This ensures Parkinson’s will be approached from many angles, and the whole patient will be treated.

In addition to our Science Advisory Board, we have also kicked off a new initiative that focuses specifically on Quality of Life (QOL). Our goal is to move exercise, speech therapy and other QOL therapies to the forefront of patient education. To that end we are working with physical and speech therapists as well as behaviorists and neurologists to identify existing research and practice that can help PD patients today and to determine gaps that could be filled with new research initiatives in the future. In 2008, we launched the Davis Phinney Victory Summit, an educational symposia focused on QOL therapies.

Facts About Parkinsons

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease and no proven method of slowing its progression. Present therapies treat only symptoms.

- National Parkinson Foundation