Parkinson’s Awareness Month is observed in April. Parkinson’s Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase awareness about the ailment and its symptoms, as well as to support victims. Parkinson’s is a long-term disorder where the central nervous system degenerates and that affects the motor system. Motor symptoms like trembling, stiffness, and rigidity are usually associated with Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms typically occur slowly. One side is often affected first, but as Parkinson’s disease progresses, both sides are affected. Celebrities such as Muhammed Ali and Michael J. Fox were diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
History of Parkinson's Awareness Month
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects dopamine-producing neurons in a certain part of the brain. It is a mobility disorder caused by a degenerative neural system dysfunction. Symptoms appear over time. At a summit in Luxembourg on April 11, 2005, the red tulip was unveiled as the global symbol of Parkinson’s disease.
Tremors, movement, and balance difficulties, limb rigidity, and delayed muscle action are all symptoms of this slowly advancing illness. While each person’s reaction to the disease differs, consequences are frequently serious. There is no cure for this disease, and additional research is required. Although awareness, medications, and information can help those who are impacted by the condition, they are not a cure. Symptoms are used to diagnose typical cases, with motor issues being the most common complaint. Approximately 10 million people in the world have Parkinson’s.
The Parkinson’s Foundation has a weekly informative podcast. They have fitness classes for patients, as well as educational seminars. Exercise can greatly stem the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Aerobic exercise helps build new pathways in the brain to replace those that were damaged. This leads to the improvement of motor symptoms. April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month because it is the birth month of James Parkinson. He was the London physician who published “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” in 1817. He was the first physician to describe Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson's Awareness Month timeline
English physician James Parkinson describes the disease.
Casimir Funk synthesizes Levodopa to treat Parkinson’s.
In the late 1980s, Alim Benabid introduces deep brain stimulation.
The Red Tulip becomes the global Parkinson’s symbol.
Parkinson's Awareness Month FAQs
When did World Parkinson's Day start and why?
World Parkinson’s Day on April 11 began in 1997. It commemorates the birthdate of Dr. James Parkinson, the man who first identified the disease nearly 200 years ago.
How many people are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year?
April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in the U.S. Every year in the U.S., 60,000 people are diagnosed with this disease.
Which is the best symbol for Parkinson's disease?
The red tulip is the symbol of Parkinson’s disease awareness. A purple ribbon is the chosen color to wear in support of people with the disease.
How to Observe Parkinson's Awareness Month
Attend a local event
Throughout April, towns, businesses, healthcare professionals, and Parkinson's support groups will be voicing support, staging B.B.Q.s, organizing events, and giving information and access to education for those living with Parkinson's disease. Participate at a local event to show your support.
Show your support on socials
Join millions of people on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, and Twitter. Share your messages of support using the hashtag #parkinsonsawareness to help increase awareness.
Visit the neurologist
Make this the month you finally schedule that neurologist visit you've been putting off. It's better to be safe than sorry.
5 Facts About Parkinson’s That Will Blow Your Mind
Different strokes
There are no two persons that experience the same symptoms.
More bad news
Non-movement symptoms are more difficult to deal with than motor symptoms.
It’s time to see the doctor
Loss of smell and small handwriting are some early symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Expensive business
At least $25 billion is spent per year on treatments for patients.
Gender-specific
More men are affected by Parkinson’s than women.
Why Parkinson's Awareness Month is Important
Raising awareness
It encourages discussion about actions that can ease the issues faced by Parkinson’s patients. We can only offer support when we know more about the ailment.
Support for victims
Through events, we can offer people with this disease the support they need. Individuals and organizations rally and volunteer or offer donations to make life easier for patients.
Appreciation and encouragement for contributors
The month is an opportunity to appreciate the efforts of all those that contribute to the fight against Parkinson’s disease. Organizations, individuals, healthcare professionals, and support groups are encouraged to continue the valuable work they do.
Parkinson's Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 1 | Sunday |
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