A Closer Look at Progress and Politics In December 2022, Congress passed a bipartisan bill that established the National Parkinson’s Project—a bold, long-overdue initiative aimed at preventing, diagnosing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson’s disease. The legislation, inspired in part by the success of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), was welcomed with hope by the millions of Americans affected by Parkinson’s, as well as their families, caregivers, and advocates. But more than two years later, one has to ask: what tangible steps have been taken since this landmark legislation passed? And how has the ever-shifting political landscape affected the implementation of this ambitious project? Promising Words, But Where’s the Action? The National Parkinson’s Project promised a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, including a federal advisory council to oversee and guide progress. This council was meant to bring together scientists, clinicians, government offici...
