Ryan Reynolds Unveils Expansion of Parkinson’s® Campaign

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug 14, 2024–

Ryan Reynolds, an internationally acclaimed actor and Parkinson’s disease advocate, has partnered with Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD) to launch a comprehensive disease education campaign named More to Parkinson’s®. The initiative aims to shed light on Parkinson’s-related hallucinations and delusions, a common yet often overlooked aspect of Parkinson’s disease, targeting patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

Nearly half of the individuals living with Parkinson’s disease may experience hallucinations or delusions at some point during their illness. Alarmingly, up to 90% of these individuals do not proactively share these symptoms with their physicians. By recounting their personal experiences during the care of Ryan’s late father, James “Jim” Reynolds, Ryan and his mother Tammy hope to foster awareness, education, and communication between Parkinson’s patients, their families, and their doctors regarding these non-motor symptoms.

“My father experienced hallucinations and delusions, and we were unaware that these were part of Parkinson’s disease,” Reynolds shared. “Like many caregivers, my mom shouldered these burdens alone. I believe that if families affected by Parkinson’s openly discuss this lesser-known aspect of the disease, they can better manage these challenging symptoms.”

Dr. Yasar Torres-Yaghi, director of the Parkinsonism and Dementia Clinic at Georgetown University Hospital, highlighted that many Parkinson’s patients do not report hallucinations and delusions to their doctors unless specifically asked. “They might be frightened or embarrassed,” he explained. “It’s crucial for patients and their loved ones to discuss all symptoms with a doctor, as treatment options are available.”

The More to Parkinson’s campaign, sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., is designed to increase awareness about hallucinations and delusions in Parkinson’s disease. The campaign features stories from Ryan and Tammy Reynolds, who provide a personal perspective on their journey with Jim’s disease. The campaign includes videos on various topics, such as identifying symptoms, discussing them with a doctor, and exploring treatment options. The initiative aims to reach the Parkinson’s community through digital media, social media, and connected TV.

Steve Davis, CEO of Acadia, emphasized the need to raise awareness about the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. “As Ryan’s family story illustrates, hallucinations and delusions can be more distressing and disruptive than the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. We are honored that Ryan and Tammy are willing to share their powerful story, which will encourage people to speak with their healthcare providers about managing these symptoms.”

For more information and resources, including discussion guides for doctors and families, visit the More to Parkinson’s campaign’s official website.

About Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s-Related Hallucinations and Delusions

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder affecting about one million people in the United States. It manifests through both motor and non-motor symptoms, such as hallucinations (perceiving things that aren’t there) and delusions (false beliefs). Physicians may refer to these symptoms as Parkinson’s disease psychosis. Approximately 50% of people with Parkinson’s may experience these symptoms during their disease course. Non-motor symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life and add to the caregiver’s burden.

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Acadia Pharmaceuticals is a leader in neuroscience, dedicated to providing solutions for people with critical medical needs. For three decades, Acadia has focused on healthcare innovations, particularly treatments for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease and Rett syndrome. The company is also developing treatments for Prader-Willi syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease psychosis, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.

For further information, visit Acadia’s website and follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter.

References

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Source: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.