Ryan Reynolds and Acadia Announce New Educational Campaign for Parkinson’s

Ryan and Tammy Reynolds, Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Ryan Reynolds and Acadia Therapeutics announced a joint educational campaign called More to Parkinson’s.¹ The program will focus on providing information and training for caregivers, patients, and care providers on how to deal with Parkinson’s related hallucinations, a common side effect of the condition.

According to a press release from Acadia, about half of people suffering from Parkinson’s will experience hallucinations. Reynolds became involved with the campaign because he and his mother wanted to share their experiences caring for his father, who sadly passed away over a decade ago.

In a press release, Reynolds said, “My father experienced hallucinations and delusions. At the time, we didn’t know any of these types of symptoms were part of his Parkinson’s disease. Like a lot of caregivers, my mom mostly tried to carry these burdens alone. I wish I’d known Parkinson’s disease wasn’t limited to only motor symptoms. I think people and families affected by Parkinson’s can be better prepared to manage hallucinations and delusions if they’re talking early and often about this lesser-known aspect of the disease.”

Dr. Yasar Torres-Yaghi, an attending physician and director of the Parkinsonism and Dementia Clinic at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington D.C., added, “In my experience, most people living with Parkinson’s disease who experience hallucinations and delusions do not proactively tell their physicians about them unless specifically asked. They may be frightened, embarrassed, or fear they are losing touch with reality. It’s important for people who are living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones to discuss all symptoms, motor and non-motor, with a doctor as there are treatment options available.”

Acadia’s CEO Steve Davis also said, “There is a significant gap in awareness and understanding that hallucinations and delusions can be part of the progression of Parkinson’s disease. As Ryan’s family story makes evident, the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, including hallucinations and delusions, are often more distressing and disruptive than the motor symptoms associated with the disease. We are honored that Ryan and Tammy are willing to share their powerful story. Their experiences will open the door to desperately needed conversation and encourage people to speak with their healthcare providers about managing these symptoms.”

In related news, the Michael J. Fox Foundation announced that a rowing team raising money for Parkinson’s research was able to successfully raise more than $28 million by rowing 41 miles of open sea from Monterey Bay, California, to Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii.²

In a press release, team member Patrick Morrisey said, “Just as the ocean brings unexpected challenges like sudden storms or rogue waves, Parkinson's adds unpredictable stresses in different environments. As a team, we were able to manage despite the obstacles we faced on the water. I hope to inspire at least one person to be able to endure and then they inspire another person, and it continues," says Morrissey. "This team, the Parkinson's community, my family and friends inspired me to endure. We're all one big team."

When the crew first launched in early June,³ Morrisey said in a press release, “I hope I am an inspiration to others. I will be the first person to row across the Pacific with Parkinson's and that accomplishment will help the Parkinson's community understand that we can do anything, together."

In the same press release, Michael J Fox added, “Parkinson's patients are experts on endurance. We endure every day to do the things we need to do with the limitations and setbacks we have. So, when people do things like this, it's such an act of solidarity, understanding and support. We have a lot of experience of people doing some amazing things for Parkinson's research. We've had people climb extraordinary mountains and run ultra-marathons—but this is a first. Brendan, Scott, Peter and Pat, thank you. We're sending out our love, support, admiration and all good wishes."

Sources

1. Ryan Reynolds Announces More to Parkinson’s® Campaign. Acadia. August 14, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240801386480/en/Ryan-Reynolds-Announces-More-to-Parkinson%E2%80%99s%C2%AE-Campaign
2. Rowers Complete Record-breaking 2,800-mile Open Ocean Row to Benefit Michael J. Fox Foundation, Increase Fundraising Goal to $41 Million. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. August 2, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rowers-complete-record-breaking-2-800-mile-open-ocean-row-to-benefit-michael-j-fox-foundation-increase-fundraising-goal-to-41-million-302213365.html
3. Four Open-Ocean Rowers Embark On 2,800 Mile Cross-Pacific Journey for The Michael J. Fox Foundation and Inspire "Summer Challenge" with an Unprecedented 3:1 Donation Match. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. June 5, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/four-open-ocean-rowers-embark-on-2-800-mile-cross-pacific-journey-for-the-michael-j-fox-foundation-and-inspire-summer-challenge-with-an-unprecedented-31-donation-match-302164181.html