The Michael J. Fox Foundation understands that it can be challenging to gain clarity and perspective on breaking Parkinson's news. Q&As in this section are conducted with leading experts in the PD field to quickly provide an informed, impartial opinion on new findings — and get to the bottom of their implications for people with Parkinson's and for researchers.
In February, news media reported recent findings that calcium channel blockers — widely used, FDA-approved high blood pressure medications — seem to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. To put this breaking news in context, the Foundation spoke to D. James Surmeier, PhD, of Northwestern University. Dr. Surmeier received a $75,000 Rapid Response Innovation Award from MJFF to study isradipine, one such drug.
