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According to scientists with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, loss of sense of smell may be one of the most important signals of Parkinson’s risk. Now they’re conducting a landmark study in hopes of better understanding the connection. According to a press release, the research could lead to prevention of the progressive brain disease, which affects at least one million Americans.
The researchers need people over 60 who do not have Parkinson’s to undergo a simple scratch-and-sniff test.
The CC Young Senior Living team is recruiting. They will provide test kits along with information to its residents and the public at the White Rock Lake campus, 4847 West Lawther, April 12 (details below). If you cannot make the event, the test can be done remotely.
“By participating in this program, CC Young Senior Living can help residents and the Dallas community at-large learn about how to best care for their precious brains,” Susan Bogan, senior living consultant for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research says. “And in return, residents and the broader public can help researchers gain a better understanding of who is at risk for Parkinson’s and other brain diseases, who gets it, who doesn’t, and why.”
Russell Crews, president and CEO of CC Young, says his goal is to make Dallas the No. 1 U.S. city to participate in this study.
He plans to rally residents, their families, staff and the greater Dallas community to join the study during April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
“We believe bringing this information to our community will be educational for residents and their families in understanding the connection between smell loss and risk of brain disease,” he said. “We look forward to contributing to the greater good and advancing research into brain health and aging.”
Bogan says she is grateful for the Fox foundation’s “crucial” partnership with CC Young. “Everyone who participates in the Smell Test Challenge is contributing to our larger mission of ending Parkinson’s disease, and we’re grateful for anyone who makes the effort to help,” she said.
Named for the beloved actor diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the 1990s, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has funded $1.5 billion in research to date and reportedly “has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure.” (A documentary about Fox premiered at this year’s Sundance Festival.)
In further recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, CC Young Senior Living is hosting an educational forum and Rock Steady Boxing demonstration for both residents and the public to learn more about the disease and the latest resources available “to help individuals with Parkinson’s live their best lives,” organizers said.
The event will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 10-11:30 a.m.* at The Point Auditorium on the CC Young campus.
*The educational panel forum, April 12, 10-10:45 a.m., will feature Dallas-area experts, including Dr. Nirav Pavasia, Board Certified General Neurologist and Certified Movement Disorders Specialist, Neurology Consultants of Dallas; Leisha S. Phipps, MSW, Executive Director, Dallas Area Parkinson Society; Jeremy Morgan, Director, CC Young Rehab Therapy; and Jennifer Broadway, BSN, MS, RN, CHPN, CC Young Administrator and Rock Steady Boxing Certified Coach.
From 11– 11:30 a.m., Ms. Broadway will lead a boxing demonstration starring CC Young residents. CC Young community partners including Alzheimer’s Association – Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter; Dallas Area Gerontological Society; and Dallas Area Parkinson Society will also be on-site to answer questions and share resources and educational materials. Smell Test Challenge kits, provided by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, will also be available for pick-up at CC Young. To register for this free event, please do so hereor call 214.390.9561. Space is limited.
