Doctors Highlight Growing Need for Parkinson's Awareness on World Parkinson's Day

Early detection of symptoms can lead to better care, but outreach efforts face challenges.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:05am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a human brain, with glowing neural pathways and structures representing the complex neurological mechanisms affected by Parkinson's disease.Advances in imaging technology are helping doctors better understand the neurological mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease, paving the way for improved early detection and treatment.Buffalo Today

On World Parkinson's Day, medical experts in Buffalo, New York are raising awareness about Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. They estimate that up to 1 million Americans may be living with the condition, a figure expected to double by 2040. However, early symptoms can be subtle and easy to overlook, leading to underdiagnosis. Doctors are encouraging people to seek medical advice if they notice potential signs like a quieter voice, stiffness while walking, or smaller handwriting.

Why it matters

Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative condition in the U.S., but many cases go undiagnosed. Increasing public awareness is critical, as early detection can lead to better treatment and care for patients. However, outreach efforts face challenges in effectively reaching the community.

The details

According to Jonathan Riley, an assistant professor and medical director of functional neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo, early warning signs of Parkinson's may include a quieter voice, stiffness while walking, or smaller, cramped handwriting. Because these symptoms often develop gradually, they may be dismissed or mistaken for other conditions. Riley encourages people who notice potential symptoms to seek medical advice, such as reaching out to their primary care physician or requesting a referral to a neurologist.

  • World Parkinson's Day is celebrated annually on April 11.

The players

Jonathan Riley

An assistant professor and medical director of functional neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo.

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What they’re saying

“There's a number of ways that we try to engage into the community, none of which are completely successful and none of which are enough.”

— Jonathan Riley, Assistant Professor and Medical Director of Functional Neurosurgery, University at Buffalo

“Maybe it's reaching out to your primary care physician, getting their thoughts. Maybe it's requesting a referral to a neurologist, but, but it's one of those things that deserves a conversation.”

— Jonathan Riley, Assistant Professor and Medical Director of Functional Neurosurgery, University at Buffalo

What’s next

Doctors in Buffalo are hopeful that new surgical therapies for Parkinson's disease, expected to be available in the next six months, will offer new treatment options and hope for patients.

The takeaway

Raising awareness about the early signs of Parkinson's disease is crucial, as early detection can lead to better care and treatment. However, outreach efforts face challenges, underscoring the need for continued education and support for the Parkinson's community.