Many people ask, “Is Parkinson’s inherited?” or “I have Parkinson’s — will I pass it to my children?" While having a family member with Parkinson’s does slightly increase your risk, it doesn’t guarantee disease.  

To help explore the link between family connection and Parkinson’s risk, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) launches a new animation video, narrated by Akbar Gbajabiamila. You may know Akbar from NBC’s American Ninja Warrior or CBS’ The Talk. But now this MJFF Board Member is the star narrator of the video, “Know Your Risk for Parkinson’s: If my family member has Parkinson’s, will I get the disease?”  

The son of a father with Parkinson’s, Akbar is calling on people of all backgrounds to get involved and participate in research. As Akbar shares in the video: 

“Today, scientists are learning more about why someone gets Parkinson’s, but the truth is we need more data. We need more research volunteers. And it’s important that research includes representation from all communities so we can help scientists better understand this disease.” 

The Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), is open to anyone over age 18 — with and without Parkinson’s — in the U.S. Find your PPMI starting point. 

Watch the full animation video above to learn more. And hear more from Akbar in The Athletic, an online sports outlet, on why he’s getting involved in research.