The Parkinson’s Plan: How Dr. Ray Dorsey Is Calling for Prevention, Better Care, and Action Now

Parkinson’s disease is rising at an alarming rate worldwide—faster than experts ever predicted. In their new book, The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment, leading neurologists Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun describe this surge as nothing less than a man-made pandemic and outline a bold, urgent blueprint to stop it.
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What if Parkinson’s disease is not inevitable—and we already have the tools to slow, stop, and even prevent its rise?
That question drives The Parkinson’s Plan, a practical and unapologetic call to action for patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers alike.

​Dr. Dorsey and Dr. Okun wrote this book because their previous warnings were not enough. When they first used the term “Parkinson’s pandemic,” critics thought they were exaggerating. Today, the data is undeniable: 11.8 million people worldwide are already living with Parkinson’s, nearly reaching projections once thought to be decades away. The authors realized the moment demanded more than awareness—it required a clear, actionable plan.

The book is organized into four strategic sections: Prevent, Learn, Amplify, and Navigate.
Prevent focuses on reducing exposure to known and suspected causes of Parkinson’s, including toxic chemicals such as TCE, PCE, and paraquat, and addressing environmental and public health failures that allow these risks to persist.

Learn calls for a major shift in research priorities. Instead of focusing almost exclusively on genetics and brain pathology—when 85–90% of Parkinson’s cases are not genetic—the authors urge scientists to investigate upstream causes like environmental toxins, gut health, and modifiable risk factors.

Amplify emphasizes transforming care delivery. The authors argue that current systems are fragmented and outdated. Their vision places “the patient as the sun”, supported by integrated, multidisciplinary teams—neurologists, physical therapists, mental health professionals, social workers, and care partners—working together. Proven models such as ParkinsonNet in the Netherlands and the Norman Fixel Institute at the University of Florida demonstrate that this approach improves outcomes and dignity.

Navigate addresses treatments on the horizon, including gene therapy, adaptive deep brain stimulation, gut microbiome research, nanoparticles, and targeted therapies. But innovation alone is not enough; scientific progress must be matched with public health action.
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The book sets an ambitious 0–10–100 goal for 2035:

• 0% increase in new Parkinson’s cases
• 10-fold increase in research and prevention funding
• 100% access to levodopa worldwide

According to Dr. Dorsey and Dr. Okun, ambitious goals are not optional—they are necessary.

Hear Dr. Ray Dorsey in Naples
Dr. Ray Dorsey will expand on these ideas as a featured speaker at the Living Well with PD Education Symposium:
📅 Wednesday, April 16, 2026
🕘 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
📍 The Ballroom at St. John the Evangelist
625 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL 34108
🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/3YMcDTn
🔗 Learn more: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/educationsymposium.html

Why Support Matters
A diagnosis of any form of Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. But with the right support and resources, individuals can maintain independence, quality of life, and emotional well-being.
For resources, referrals, and support, contact the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) at www.paswfl.org or call 239-417-3465.

For over 25 years, PASWFL has provided free, high-quality programs to individuals and families touched by Parkinson’s disease in Southwest Florida. Their goal is simple: help people live well with PD—at every stage.

Each week, PASWFL offers 25+ free programs, including:

• Wellness and fitness classes
• Speech exercise classes
• Educational seminars
• Support for care partners
• Support groups

There are no fees to become a member.
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Take the First Step Toward Living Well
👉 Sign up for the PASWFL newsletter:
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup-enews.html
👉 Become a member (free & confidential):
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup.html
Visit www.paswfl.org to discover the power of education, support, and community.