This April, in recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, I urge our neighbors to volunteer for Parkinson's research studies.

This week President Obama announced a bold new research initiative, the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative.

The BRAIN Initiative ultimately aims to help researchers find new ways to treat, cure, and prevent many diseases of the brain, including Parkinson's.

The only way that new treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s can happen is by ordinary people taking the extraordinary step of joining studies.

Some studies involve testing a new medication, while other studies can be as simple as taking a quick survey.

As a Parkinson’s Disease Foundation research advocate, I have spoken with many people who are excited to find out that we also need volunteers who do not have Parkinson’s for these studies.

To learn more about how you can help bring about better treatments at a faster pace, please contact the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation or a research institution such UCSF and the Parkinson’s institute in Sunnyvale.

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation is a leading national presence in Parkinson’s disease research, education and public advocacy.

Since its founding in 1957, PDF has dedicated over $96 million to fund the work of leading scientists throughout the world and over $40 million to support national education and advocacy initiatives for more information, go to www.pdf.org .

Phil Myers lives in Lakeport, Calif.