Passion for Parkinson's event shatters expectations, raises $819,000 for research

On Oct. 16, the Medical University of South Carolina Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, along with multiple sponsors that included Beacon Bank, VIBE and Protective Life, hosted the highly anticipated Passion for Parkinson’s event. As the only Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence in South Carolina, MUSC Health’s Movement Disorders Program plays an integral role in advancing research and treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Last year, during its inaugural event, Passion for Parkinson’s raised an impressive $115,000. This year, however, all expectations were shattered when the event raised a remarkable $819,000 to drive ongoing research and support for patients facing this challenging disease.

MUSC Health patient Jim Smith was diagnosed with the disease three years ago and said every day is a challenge. As the impetus for the Passion for Parkinson’s event, Smith said he wanted others to feel the support he has received. 

“You have to wake up every day knowing you're in a battle, and you have to attack it the right way mentally, physically and emotionally,” said Smith. “Parkinson’s is a terrible disease, but if you have the right attitude and support, it all works out. We're just trying to make it better for the rest of the world.” 

According to professor of neurology and director of the Movement Disorders Program at MUSC Health Vanessa Hinson M.D., Ph.D., Parkinson’s Disease is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. It affects around one million Americans, and it is growing at a rapid speed. Every seven minutes, another American is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and, currently, there is no cure. 

During the event, Hinson spoke about Parkinson’s disease, what causes it and what groundbreaking research she and her team have underway.

For example, she explained that trichloroethylene (TCE) is a very toxic substance found in dry-cleaning agents and other household products such as certain cleaning products and paint removers. Being exposed to this toxin can increase your likelihood of having Parkinson’s disease by 500%. The states of New York and Minnesota and the European Union have banned this, but the majority of the United States has not. Another example of a toxin linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s is paraquat, a highly toxic chemical widely used as a herbicide by farmers. Due to its severe health risks, paraquat has been banned in 32 countries.

Hinson further emphasized how simple lifestyle changes, along with avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals, can play a vital role in reducing the risk of developing this disease. 

“Let's think about the diet. If you practice a healthy diet, such as a Mediterranean diet, your chance of obtaining Parkinson's disease down the road is lowered by 22%,” said Hinson. “If you exercise vigorously and have these habits for a long time, your chance of getting Parkinson's disease is going to be lowered by 76%.”

Hinson provided an in-depth explanation of the research she and her team have been conducting statewide to detect Parkinson’s in its earliest stages. 

“Just a few years ago, we were absolutely unable even to say the two words together: ‘prevention’ and ‘Parkinson’s.’ They just didn't go together. We were able to react, right? We see the shaking. We know what to do. Here’s the prescription path. But this is not the answer,” said Hinson. 

During her panel discussion, Hinson highlighted research that goes beyond attempting to cure Parkinson’s disease; it focuses on detecting the condition so early that a person may never experience symptoms at all. She said some of the earliest signs can be found in a patient’s sleeping habits. 

“For example, people may act out their dreams decades before they start shaking. Dream enactment, also called REM sleep behavior disorder – it can be a very early sign, a non-motor sign of Parkinson’s disease that the individual might have 10 to 20 years before determining this new posture,” said Hinson. “So, if we could recognize this and do another test and maybe confirm that they're on their way to Parkinson's disease and apply a treatment that is currently still investigational, then I think we’ll be in a much better position. The person would never even suffer the earliest motor stages of Parkinson’s disease.”

The $819,000 raised for Parkinson’s research enables Hinson and her team to advance their innovative research and strategies focused on ending this neurodegenerative disease. 

“I can invest in strategic hires and a strategic research plan. So, having a sizable fund to count on is very important,” said Hinson. “We want to tell people there is hope for various reasons, and we can start these programs now. The sooner we have an evening like this and raise critical funds, the sooner we can get back to work because we’re not lacking ideas.”

For more resources and information on Parkinson’s disease, you can visit the Movement Disorders Program's page.