Parkinson Discovery Institute
Community Trusted Resource for Research & Support
Live Better.
Parkinson's Symposium
-June 27, 2026
Watch presentations from the Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium, hosted by the Parkinson's Foundation in Plano, Texas, featuring members of the Parkinson Discovery Institute (PDI) Board of Directors.
Presentation Highlights:
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31:00 – Valerie Johnson shares practical exercise techniques for people living with Parkinson's disease.
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1:02:00 – PDI presents its latest research on biomarker changes following exercise in Parkinson's disease.
During the symposium, PDI Board Member Mike Warren also hosted the organization's information table, where attendees learned more about the Institute's mission and ongoing research.
We invite you to watch the presentations and learn more about the important role exercise and research play in improving the lives of people living with Parkinson's disease.
PDI announces its first
"Parkinson's Discovery Travel Award"
Call for New Applications for PDI Exercise Scholarship, 2026
We're proud to recognize Janiece Vancil, DO/PhD student at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, as the first recipient of the Parkinson's Discovery Travel Award. Her award-winning research, presented at the World Parkinson Congress, explores how changes in alpha-synuclein may contribute to the early progression of Parkinson's disease and offers valuable insight into the brain's vulnerable dopamine pathways.
Scholarship Application
Call for New Applications for PDI Exercise Scholarship, 2026
The PDI will accept new applications for our 6 month exercise scholarship until June 30. We have four additional awards available. Application portal can be found online. The first awardee of our program, Tina Hargrove, was presented with her scholarship yesterday. Ms. Hargrove is an awesome representative of the power of exercise in the battle against Parkinson's. She not only has participated in a proven exercise program at the Punching Out Parkinson's program here in Fort Worth, but she also leads Zumba classes for her peers. We are looking to make four more awards by July 10th. Applications are due by June 30. This award will provide a total of $600 to apply to your exercise program for the rest of 2026. Please apply asap.
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Individuals and Families navigating this journey.
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Freda Well's Caregiver Story.
photo credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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