Parkinson's Vitality Institute-PVI

06/02/2026

05/27/2026

Another big day full of learning at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix! 💙

Today’s sessions included:
✔️ Failing to Fall
✔️ LSVT BIG
✔️ Rock Steady Boxing
✔️ Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease

One of the most powerful themes throughout the conference continues to be the importance of movement, exercise, community, and proactive lifestyle strategies for people living with Parkinson’s.

At Parkinson’s Vitality Institute, we are committed to continuing our education, collaborating with leaders from around the world, and bringing evidence-informed ideas back to the people and families we serve every day.

Excited for what’s ahead at !

05/15/2026

BIG win for the Parkinson’s community! 💙🌱

A controversial element in the federal Farm Bill that could have limited states’ ability to restrict paraquat was officially DEFEATED in Congress.

Paraquat is a pesticide that has been increasingly linked in scientific studies to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, making this a huge moment for advocacy, awareness, and public health.

We are especially proud because Jennifer and Bella personally advocated on this exact issue during Advocacy Day meetings with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. Watching Bella step up as a young advocate for the Parkinson’s community has been incredibly inspiring. These conversations matter, and every voice truly makes a difference. 💪

This victory was made possible through the advocacy efforts of organizations including PVI, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s Foundation, APDA, Environmental Working Group, PANC, and many others working tirelessly to protect people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Even more exciting, Vermont just became the FIRST state in the U.S. to fully ban paraquat. 🌎 More than 70 countries worldwide have already banned it because of growing health concerns.

California has taken important steps and continues reevaluating paraquat, but with our leadership in health, wellness, innovation, and environmental awareness… California should have been first. But we definitely should be next. 💚

Speak up. Take action. Protect our future.

05/14/2026

🧠 New UCSF Clinical Trial Opportunity for People Living with Parkinson’s

The UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is currently recruiting participants for a clinical trial studying psilocybin therapy for depression in people with Parkinson’s disease.

If you are:
✔️ Between 40–80 years old
✔️ Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
✔️ Currently experiencing depression
✔️ Able to visit UCSF Mission Bay in San Francisco

…you may qualify to participate.

Clinical trials play a critical role in advancing Parkinson’s research, improving treatments, and creating hope for the future. Every volunteer helps move the Parkinson’s community forward. 💙

To learn more or volunteer:
📞 415-935-3489
📧 Contact Brittany at UCSF [email protected]
https://clinicaltrials.ucsf.edu/trial/NCT06455293

This Parkinson's Disease and Depression study at UCSF is now recruiting people ages 40-80.

05/01/2026

SPEAKER PRESENTATION & MEETING
Psychedelics for PD: What We Know,
and What We Need to Find Out

Saturday, May 9 @ 1:00 pm
United Methodist Christ Church
1717 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA

Please join us for the Speaker Presentation at 1:00 pm and Support Group Meeting with Breakout Groups at 2:00 pm for Care Partners and PWP.

We also invite you to join our
Early Stage Parkinson’s Support Group at 12 noon

Speaker: Ellen Bradley, MD

Dr. Bradley is an assistant professor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and staff physician at San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC). She completed undergraduate study at Stanford, medical school at Yale, and residency and fellowship training at UCSF. Ellen is a member of the National Veterans Affairs Parkinson's Disease Consortium and serves as the lead psychiatrist in the movement disorders clinic at SFVAMC, treating patients who live with multiple psychiatric issues related to Parkinson's disease, including depression, suicidality, anxiety, impulse control disorders, and psychosis. She conducts research with the goal of developing new pharmacologic treatments for Parkinson's and other conditions that span the psychiatry-neurology divide.

04/17/2026

A powerful day at the California State Capitol 💙

Grateful to stand alongside advocates from across the country representing organizations like Parkinson’s Vitality Institute, Parkinson's Association of Northern California, Parkinson’s Support Group of Sonoma County, and Parkinson's Foundation—all brought together by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Together, we shared stories, built connections, and advocated for meaningful change for those living with Parkinson’s.

Proud to represent our community and be part of something bigger 💙