World Parkinson’s Day

More Than a Shaking Hand

World Parkinson’s Day is a day to raise public awareness about Parkinson’s disease, its impact on individuals and families and the ongoing mission to find a cure. By raising awareness, understanding and generating conversations, World Parkinson’s Day helps to chip away at the stigma sometimes associated with the disease.

The Origin of World Parkinson’s Day

This international event, created in 1997 by the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), honors the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson. Dr. Parkinson, a pioneer in neurology, was the first physician to identify Parkinson’s disease as a distinct medical condition. Parkinson described the characteristic resting tremor, abnormal posture, muscle weakness and the disease’s gradual progression. His 1817 essay, “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy,” laid the foundation for our understanding of this condition.
The motivation behind World Parkinson’s Day was to honor Dr. James Parkinson’s groundbreaking work and to create a platform for raising public awareness about a condition that affects millions worldwide.
The red tulip was adopted as the official symbol, representing hope and resilience.
World Parkinson’s Day quickly gained momentum, becoming a powerful platform for education, advocacy and community building.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects movement. It disrupts the brain’s production of dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps your body move smoothly. It emerges subtly, often starting with a barely noticeable tremor in one hand. As the condition advances, it reveals its full spectrum of symptoms:

• Tremors: These involuntary shaking movements can affect the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face.
• Stiffness: Muscles become rigid, making movement challenging.
• Slowness of Movement: Everyday tasks take longer due to reduced mobility.
• Poor Balance and Coordination: Maintaining equilibrium becomes challenging.
• Speech Difficulty: Communication may be affected, altering voice and articulation.

While there’s currently no cure, there are treatments that can help manage these symptoms and improve quality of life.

How to Show Support

There’s no single way to participate in World Parkinson’s Day. Many communities organize events like walks, marathons, or information sessions.

• Wear a red tulip (real or virtual).
• Bust myths, highlight research and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and support.
• Share your journey with Parkinson’s or amplify the voices of others. Every story contributes to a richer understanding of the condition.
• Organize a fundraiser to support Parkinson’s research, local groups, or initiatives. Every contribution counts, no matter how small.
• Gather your community, virtually or in person and create an event that spreads awareness. Whether it’s a walk, a talk, or a dance party, let the color blue dominate—the official hue of Parkinson’s awareness.

Hope on the Horizon

World Parkinson’s Day isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about fostering hope for a future free of Parkinson’s disease. By spreading knowledge and supporting research initiatives, we can all be a part of the solution.
Together, we can turn the tide and create a world where Parkinson’s is understood, accepted and ultimately conquered.
Together, we’ll turn tremors into triumphs.