Vol 25.1 | SUMMER 2024

Ignite Magazine

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A search for solutions

by John T. Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
President, Northeast Ohio Medical University

Each year, nearly 90,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease.

For physicians, Parkinson’s disease is a conundrum. They can make recommendations and write prescriptions to help manage symptoms but cannot cure the disease.

For patients and families, Parkinson’s disease is, as Michael J. Fox says, “the gift that keeps on taking.”

For scientists, Parkinson’s disease is a puzzle to be solved.

In this issue of Ignite, you will read how NEOMED researchers, led by Sheila Fleming, Ph.D., are working diligently to find solutions to slow or stop the progression of the disease through exercise. Dr. Fleming is investigating the effects of exercise on the brain and the proliferation of the alpha-synuclein proteins that appear in Parkinson’s disease.

Her work hits close to home. You’ll also find in this issue the story of my wife, Sara Whittingham, M.D. She is an anesthesiologist, triathlete and U.S. Air Force veteran. Sara was diagnosed a few years ago with Parkinson’s disease.

Hopefully one day we’ll have a cure. In the meantime, we’ll rely on the work of scientists like Dr. Fleming to help slow or stop the progression of the disease.

Sincerely,

John T. Langell
President