The Parsemus Foundation works to create meaningful improvements in human and animal health and welfare by advancing innovative and neglected medical research.
Veterinarian Directory
Find a veterinarian offering ovary-sparing spay, vasectomy, and other services.
COVID-19
Research that focuses on simple, inexpensive therapies that are available now.
Vasalgel
A long-acting, nonhormonal, reversible male contraceptive under development.
Our Mission
The Parsemus Foundation works to create meaningful improvements in human and animal health and welfare by advancing innovative and neglected medical research. The foundation’s focus is on supporting small proof-of-concept studies and then pursuing press coverage of the results, so that the advances change treatment practice rather than disappearing into the scientific literature. Many of the studies we support involve low-cost approaches that are not under patent. When supporting development of technologies under patent, the Parsemus Foundation coordinates with larger funders to make sure support is contingent upon strong public-sector pricing agreements.
Recent News
Shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk
The recombinant zoster vaccine known as SHINGRIX may also lower the risk of developing dementia, according to a new study. The vaccine prevents shingles, a painful viral infection, and is typically recommended for those 50 and older. Researchers in the U.K. published a study in Nature Medicine on July 25 that showed that among people diagnosed with dementia, those who received the recombinant zoster vaccine had more diagnosis-free time compared with those who received a different vaccine.
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in cats similar to Alzheimer’s disease
House cats live an average of 14 years, and it’s not uncommon for a cat to live more than 20 years. Older cats often develop cognitive decline resulting in dementia. It’s called “cognitive dysfunction syndrome” or CDS. This condition is similar in many ways to Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid beta and tau protein accumulation. Some believe that environmental stressors from life as a house cat contribute to cognitive decline.
Ultra-processed foods affect brain health
Recent research has revealed that eating ultra-processed foods affects brain health. Studies suggest that diets high in these foods could increase the risk of cognitive impairment and stroke. Ultra-processed foods include industrially prepared items like packaged snacks, ready-made meals, and sugary drinks. These foods are often convenient, but they carry hidden health dangers.
Shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk
The recombinant zoster vaccine known as SHINGRIX may also lower the risk of developing dementia, according to a new study. The vaccine prevents shingles, a painful viral infection, and is typically recommended for those 50 and older. Researchers in the U.K. published a study in Nature Medicine on July 25 that showed that among people diagnosed with dementia, those who received the recombinant zoster vaccine had more diagnosis-free time compared with those who received a different vaccine.
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in cats similar to Alzheimer’s disease
House cats live an average of 14 years, and it’s not uncommon for a cat to live more than 20 years. Older cats often develop cognitive decline resulting in dementia. It’s called “cognitive dysfunction syndrome” or CDS. This condition is similar in many ways to Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid beta and tau protein accumulation. Some believe that environmental stressors from life as a house cat contribute to cognitive decline.
Ultra-processed foods affect brain health
Recent research has revealed that eating ultra-processed foods affects brain health. Studies suggest that diets high in these foods could increase the risk of cognitive impairment and stroke. Ultra-processed foods include industrially prepared items like packaged snacks, ready-made meals, and sugary drinks. These foods are often convenient, but they carry hidden health dangers.
The spread of dangerous medical misinformation
You may have heard that vaccines cause autism, but are you unsure where this idea came from? Are you — or someone you know — suspicious of the U.S. government response to COVID-19? If so, you’ll be interested in a two-part series of articles that John Parkinson wrote about the challenges of communicating medical information to the public and the ease with which medical misinformation spreads.
Featured Studies Advancing Innovative Medical Research
New guidance on reproductive control in cats and dogs
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has published a comprehensive guidance document on reproductive control in cats and dogs, and it’s
Metformin reduces Long COVID
Treating COVID with Metformin Reduces Long COVID Rates PRESS RELEASE Date: June 9, 2023 Contact: Macy Uustal, macy@conwaystrategic.com, 954-651-0665 Minneapolis, MN –—
New cat sterilization method: epididymectomy
It may sound complicated, but an epididymectomy procedure was found to be quicker and just as efficient as castration in male cats
Lifestyle & dementia: results of large 10-year study
Are you concerned about dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as you get older? The number of people affected by memory loss is expected
