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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

References:

1. Parkinson’s Foundation. Online Education. Parkinson’s Foundation, 2022. Available online: https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/online-education.

2. Parkinson’s UK. First Steps Programme. Parkinson’s UK, 2025. Available online: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/first-steps-programme.

3. Hellqvist, C.; Berterö, C.; Dizdar, N.; Sund-Levander, M.; Hagell, P. Self-management education for persons with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners: A quasi-experimental case-control study in clinical practice. Parkinson’s Disease 2020, 2020, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6920943.

4. Lyu, X.; Li, J.; Li, S. Approaches to reach trustworthy patient education: A narrative review. Healthcare 2024, 12(23), 2322. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232322.

5. van der Eijk, M.; Faber, M.J.; Aarts, J.W.; Kremer, J.A.; Munneke, M.; Bloem, B.R. Using online health communities to deliver patient-centered care to people with chronic conditions. J. Med. Internet Res. 2013, 15(6), e115. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2476.