April Marks Parkinson's Awareness Month

Health experts urge early conversations and routines to manage the disease

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring where a human hand with tremors is defined entirely by glowing, vibrant neon lines against a deep, dark background, emphasizing the shape and electricity of the movement.Raising awareness about the early signs of Parkinson's disease can help families address the condition more effectively.Fargo Today

April is National Parkinson's Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of recognizing early symptoms like tremors, slow movement, and depression, and encouraging families to have conversations and establish routines to help manage the disease, especially if there is a history of Parkinson's.

Why it matters

Parkinson's disease can develop in people's early years, but often goes undiagnosed until later in life. Raising awareness about the early signs and the value of proactive management can help individuals and families address the condition more effectively.

The details

Experts say the physical warning signs of Parkinson's can include smaller handwriting, slower movements, and small tremors. Depression or isolation, coupled with physical tremors, can also be an early indicator of the disease. Merilyn Wilson with Griswold Home Care emphasizes the importance of having conversations with family members early, especially if there is a history of Parkinson's, as the condition can develop in one's 40s or 50s but not be diagnosed until the 60s or 70s. Maintaining routines is also key to helping manage treatment of the disease.

  • April is National Parkinson's Awareness Month.

The players

Merilyn Wilson

An expert with Griswold Home Care who emphasizes the importance of early conversations and routines in managing Parkinson's disease.

Ryan McNamara

A reporter who joined WDAY in late 2024 and covers news and sports in the Fargo, North Dakota area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Parkinson's doesn't discriminate against age. So you can start with symptoms in your early years, 40s and 50s, and not even be diagnosed until you're in your 60s and 70s.”

— Merilyn Wilson, Expert, Griswold Home Care

The takeaway

Raising awareness about the early signs of Parkinson's disease and the importance of proactive management through conversations and routines can help individuals and families address this condition more effectively, especially for those with a family history of the disease.