Latvia currently does not have a dedicated educational website for patients living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This absence leaves patients and caregivers without a trusted source of information in Latvian. Many patients I have spoken with describe struggling to find guidance on daily management, medication use, and non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. Beyond clinical visits, there is little support available, and this gap adds to feelings of isolation and uncertainty.

To address this, I am taking the initiative to create the first national educational website for patients with PD in Latvia. This platform will provide reliable, evidence-based materials in Latvian, designed specifically for patients and caregivers. It will cover practical strategies for living with PD, information on both motor and non-motor symptoms, and resources that patients can trust as they navigate their diagnosis.

In other countries, online resources of this kind are an essential first step in patient support [1,2]. Research shows that educational platforms help patients feel more informed, more confident in managing their condition, and less alone [3,4]. They also provide healthcare professionals and policymakers with a window into patient needs, making care more responsive and patient-centered [5].

This website will:
•    Be the first central, trusted resource for PD patients in Latvia.
•    Offer clear, evidence-based content in Latvian.
•    Be freely accessible to patients and caregivers across the country, including those in rural areas.
•    Serve as a foundation for future initiatives, such as online events or interactive support features.

The creation of a national educational website will mark the first coordinated effort to provide Latvian patients with PD and their families with accessible, trustworthy information. I am committed to ensuring that this resource is developed and made available where it is most needed.

Sincerely,
Paula Abola