It may be small in size, but its impact is immense: the Berlin-based YUVEDO Foundation has rapidly become a driving force in the fight against Parkinson’s. Since its establishment in 2019 by Dr. Jörg Karenfort and Jens Greve – both diagnosed with the disease in 2013 – the foundation has built a reputation for combining science, advocacy and cultural engagement in its pursuit of a cure.
Dr. Karenfort, a leading business lawyer, is no stranger to tackling complex challenges. He brings the same strategic mindset that has defined his legal career to YUVEDO, working tirelessly to shift the paradigm of Parkinson’s treatment from symptom management to potential cure.
The Yuvedo Foundation: uniting science with culture
“We take a holistic approach that unites science with advocacy, sports, art and music,” explains Dr. Karenfort, who juggles his role as CEO with his legal career. More than just a research-driven organisation, YUVEDO provides platforms for people with Parkinson’s, creating events that range from scientific discussions to artistic expression.
Among its accomplishments, YUVEDO has organised two leadership workshops, formulated a roadmap towards a cure, and engaged in advocacy both in Berlin and Brussels. These efforts have drawn the attention of German Minister of Health Dr. Karl Lauterbach, who praised the foundation’s work on World Parkinson’s Day 2024, stating: “This is a disease, but also a challenge – one that can be overcome, as the example of Dr. Jörg Karenfort shows.”
The foundation has also taken its mission on the road – literally. In recent years, YUVEDO has organised major cycling tours, including routes from Cologne to Baden-Baden and from Berlin to Brussels, designed to raise awareness and funds. In 2021, it hosted the ITTF World Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships in Berlin, highlighting the therapeutic power of sport.
Meanwhile, its creative projects – such as the ‘Little Victories’ song by German singer Laura Korinth, featuring lyrics by Karenfort – have used the arts to give a voice to the Parkinson’s community.
Fighting for a cure
YUVEDO is also working hard to help find better treatments for Parkinson’s – and a cure. The foundation is at the forefront of exploring novel treatment strategies, including the potential role of the gut microbiome in neurodegenerative diseases.
As part of this effort, the foundation has partnered with leading researchers, including Professor Aiden Haghikia from the University of Magdeburg, and is advocating for increased funding for promising therapies.
Dr. Karenfort is also deeply involved in a groundbreaking, EU-funded research initiative in collaboration with Maastricht University, which is investigating whether existing drugs used for other conditions – such as diabetes or leukemia – could be repurposed to treat Parkinson’s.
The Yuvedo Foundation in 2025: BerlinCulture Brain Project
For 2025, YUVEDO’s focus shifts to the intersection of culture and neuroscience. “We want to initiate scientific studies exploring whether cultural activities can help preserve brain health and mitigate Parkinson’s symptoms,” says Dr. Karenfort.
Called the BerlinCulture Brain Project, the plan involves launching three studies in collaboration with prominent researchers, examining the role of music, visual arts and storytelling in managing the disease.
The results won’t just be confined to academia. Once the studies are complete, the foundation envisions a travelling exhibition featuring artwork, poetry and stories created by people with Parkinson’s, ensuring that the insights gained are shared with the broader public. A musical element will likely be incorporated as well.
Other upcoming plans include another cross-border cycling tour from Germany to Luxembourg and France, as well as a book featuring poetry and song lyrics written by people with Parkinson’s. Dr. Karenfort’s own lyrics from ‘Little Victories’ will feature in the collection, reinforcing the foundation’s message of resilience and hope.
“We receive letters thanking us”
For Dr. Karenfort, the fight against Parkinson’s is deeply personal. “We receive letters – sometimes handwritten, pages long – from people with Parkinson’s or their families, thanking us for giving them hope. That’s what drives me to work harder,” he says.
The Berlin-based organisation has proved that passion, science and activism can combine to create real impact. If YUVEDO’s ambitious plans come to fruition, the fight against Parkinson’s may not just be about managing symptoms – but finding a cure.
Find out more at the Yuvedo Foundation website or explore our other Member Organisations
