An interview with Paula Abola, MSc: Hope in Motion: A Granddaughter’s Mission to Transform Parkinson’s Care
Biography
I’m Paula, a clinical researcher and an academic currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Research. My focus is Parkinson’s Disease, both from a scientific and human perspective. I have a background in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, and I currently teach and conduct research. What drives me most is a deep personal motivation: my grandmother battled Parkinson’s Disease, and her struggle shaped my path.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
My advocacy is rooted in education, research, and patient empowerment. I am currently conducting research on shared decision-making in PD and am planning my next research on regional disparities in PD care in my home country Latvia, where I eventually plan to implement an intervention in the form of a PD support group for patients (Latvia currently does not have any). I also present at conferences and publish research in the field of PD.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion stems from my grandmother who had PD. She was initially misdiagnosed and by the time the right diagnosis was made, her motor symptoms had worsened, and she became detained to the bed. That personal experience made the disease more than a clinical topic; it became a mission. I now work to improve awareness, highlight regional disparities in care, and push forward precision medicine solutions through research and education.
What type of goals does individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
Most individuals want to feel heard and understood. When working with me, whether in research studies or advocacy, their goals often include understanding their condition better, finding the right treatments, accessing better care, and feeling less alone in their journey.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
The programs I am currently developing include structured educational content, both for patients and healthcare professionals. For example, my I provide educational materials to patients in Latvia via their patient Facebook group. I am also planning to create a website where I can post materials not only to read, but also to watch and listen to. These materials could be followed at one’s own pace, typically over several weeks.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
It can bring clarity, comfort, and confidence. By providing accessible education and advocating for tailored treatment approaches, I hope to empower individuals to take an active role in managing their condition and seeking the best care possible.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
I envision expanding this work into a global, multilingual platform that connects researchers, clinicians, patients, and caregivers, focusing on shared decision-making in PD treatment decisions, personalized care, education, and the unique needs of communities often left out of the conversation.
What events do you participate in?
I participate in academic conferences, Parkinson’s research webinars, and awareness events, mainly in Europe and virtually. I also hope to begin organizing local workshops in Latvia to reach patients and caregivers directly.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers are often the unsung heroes. By offering education and coping tools, I aim to reduce their emotional burden and provide clear, practical support. My educational materials will also include caregiver-specific content, recognizing their needs alongside those of patients.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Start with your story; everyone’s experience matters. You can advocate by sharing knowledge, supporting patients, writing articles, or simply starting conversations that reduce stigma. Collaboration and community are key.
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Authenticity and persistence. Advocacy must come from the heart but be informed by facts and strategy. When you combine lived experience with research and community action, real change becomes possible.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
By making fundraising personal and relatable. Small, community-driven campaigns, transparent research updates, and creative online events can engage people more deeply than broad appeals. We also need to advocate for government and industry investment in underfunded areas.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I encourage physical activity as a cornerstone of PD management. I personally support approaches like guided movement therapy, mindfulness practices, and evidence-based dietary support. While I do not have PD myself, I explore these tools in my research and share them with others.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because it could be any of us, or someone we love. Parkinson’s impacts families, communities, and healthcare systems. Awareness and empathy build stronger societies, and research today paves the way for better treatments tomorrow.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Yes, my grandmother. Her struggle motivated my career and continues to motivate my work every single day.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
“You raise me up” – because despite challenges, I am always raised up by my family, my students, and the PD community.
What are your social media tags?
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-abola/
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
“You are not alone. Your story matters. And together, we are not only waiting for a cure but building hope, step by step.”
PHOTO: August 14, 2010, Paula with her grandmother who was later diagnosed with PD and her grandfather.