The Parkinson’s Information Service (PINS) is a service that provides people with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system...

 and their families access to a team of information specialists who offer practical information and resources. The Parkinson's Disease Foundation

Parkinson's Disease Foundation

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation is a leading national presence in the United States in Parkinson's disease research, education and public advocacy. PDF funds scientific research to find the causes of and a cure for Parkinson's...

 (PDF) offers PINS as a service to the Parkinson's disease community.

PINS comprises an two programs, one online and the other via telephone, where people can submit their questions. The service is managed exclusively by the Parkinson's disease Foundation and is supported by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Need For Resources

In 2008, a nationwide survey in the U.S. revealed a need for increased education on key issues in the management of Parkinson's disease for patients, their loved ones, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Specifically, 93 percent of neurologists, 84 percent of people with Parkinson's, and 88 percent of caregivers expressed the strong need for resources and tools to support disease management and daily living for people with PD. The survey also found communication gaps between neurologists, people with Parkinson's disease, and caregivers. PINS and related Parkinson's educational tools seek to overcome these gaps and provide much-needed resources.

National HelpLine

The National HelpLine is the toll-free phone service within PINS. A team of information specialists staffs the line and answers questions about Parkinson's disease, its symptoms and treatment, and research advances. The HelpLine can also help callers locate local support groups, physicians, legal and financial assistance, and other community resources.

Ask The Expert

Ask the Expert is the online component of PINS that answers questions about Parkinson's disease. After people submit questions, information specialists review them and provide a detailed and personalized response within eight to ten working days. The service is available at www.pdf.org/en/pins_question.

Educational Materials

In addition to PINS, PDF offers educational publications and programs to provide information for people with Parkinson’s, their caregivers and families, and healthcare providers. Publications and programs include newsletters, brochures, booklets, videos, fact sheets, resource lists, and online educational programs such as webcasts and webinars. PDF also offers a free introductory packet containing several educational materials for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

External links

• Parkinson's Disease Foundation
• Parkinson's Information Service at the Parkinson's Disease Foundation