April Marks Parkinson's Awareness Month

Experts share early warning signs and local resources for those affected by the progressive neurological disorder.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:12am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A ghostly, translucent X-ray-style image showing the internal structures of the human brain, with glowing neural pathways and synaptic activity, representing the neurological effects of Parkinson's disease.An X-ray-like image reveals the intricate neural networks of the brain, highlighting the complex neurological impacts of Parkinson's disease.Hampton Today

April is recognized as Parkinson's Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease and support those living with the condition. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, often causing tremors and balance issues. Kristin Engels, Director of Therapy at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, discusses early warning signs and the importance of exercise and support groups for managing symptoms.

Why it matters

Parkinson's disease affects nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. each year. Raising awareness can help with early detection and connecting patients and families to local resources and support networks.

The details

Parkinson's disease symptoms can include tremors, slowness of movement, balance issues, stiffness, fatigue, speech changes, and fine motor skill difficulties. Early diagnosis and ongoing therapy, including targeted exercise programs, can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Franklin General Hospital offers a monthly Parkinson's support group to provide social interaction and mental health resources for those affected by the disease.

  • April is recognized as Parkinson's Awareness Month.
  • The Parkinson's Support Group meets every third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m.

The players

Kristin Engels

Director of Therapy at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Franklin General Hospital

A hospital in Hampton, Iowa that offers a Parkinson's support group.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In the world of Parkinson's, there's a whole array of symptoms. No two patients are quite the same, but anything that would affect movement could be a symptom.”

— Kristin Engels, Director of Therapy

“What we do know for sure is that exercise and just staying moving and active is really beneficial for Parkinson's. It can help to reverse some of the signs and symptoms that you're having of Parkinson's. It can help to slow the progression of the disease.”

— Kristin Engels, Director of Therapy

“We do have a Parkinson's support group here at the hospital that we would love to have anybody who is affected by Parkinson's or has Parkinson's themselves or a family member that they could come and attend that and be able to talk to other people who have the disease.”

— Kristin Engels, Director of Therapy

What’s next

The Parkinson's Support Group at Franklin General Hospital meets every third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. for those affected by Parkinson's disease to connect with resources and support.

The takeaway

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that requires ongoing management, but early detection, exercise, and community support can help improve quality of life for those living with the condition.