CEO Dr. Karen Lee among those leading the charge in access to care

The following post appeared in a special issue of MacLean’s magazine, published on December 2, 2020.

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide, and in Canada the rates of Parkinson’s are reported the be the highest in the world. Why? Parkinson Canada is pursuing the answer to this question and solutions to turn this tide.

While Parkinson Canada tackles this unique challenge, we’re providing hope and help to the 100,000 Canadians who live with Parkinson’s. Every hour someone in Canada is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and in just 10 years that number is projected to double.

Parkinson’s is a complex and individual disease with needs that change over time. Access to care is among the greatest challenges faced by people living with Parkinson’s — even before diagnosis. The average wait time for a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in Canada is nearly one year, and in some regions, it’s more than two.

Parkinson Canada is engaging with experts across the country to find ways to improve health system navigation, close gaps in access, and ensure the growing number of people affected by Parkinson’s are getting the right care at the right time.

Read the full article in context or in the September edition of MacLean’s.