Racial Disparities Among Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

Research in Parkinson’s Disease has failed to consider diverse populations and the unique trials these populations face in terms of accessing healthcare. Many studies have been done to identify the existence of racial disparities among individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, but no conclusive evidence regarding the cause of these disparities has been found. I am in the process of administering a researcher-developed survey to adults who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease or Parkinsonism to identify the presence and cause of racial disparities among individuals with PD. I anticipate that the survey data will reveal inequalities between Black and/or African Americans with PD and Whites regarding distrust of the healthcare system, lack of referral for therapy, and prior research participation. This research has the potential to positively impact individuals, specifically Black and/or African Americans, with PD; by highlighting disparities within these communities, the process of proposing and implementing realistic solutions to mend them can begin.