Parkinson’s Awareness Month to focus on education, finding real answers
Parkinson's Foundation, ADPA and MJFF among organizations participating
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April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, highlighting education and support for people living with the disease.
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Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that causes both motor symptoms, such as tremor and rigidity, and nonmotor symptoms.
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Organizations around the world provide resources, events, and research funding to support and empower patients and families.
April will be an activity-filled month for people living with Parkinson’s disease — and for doctors, researchers, and advocates — as the world recognizes Parkinson’s Awareness Month and World Parkinson’s Day on April 11.
“For most people and their families, a Parkinson’s diagnosis is difficult to process, and many people respond by isolating themselves,” Robert Baittie said in a Parkinson’s Foundation press release. Baittie has been an outspoken advocate for the Parkinson’s community since his diagnosis 14 years ago and is also featured in a new public service announcement.
“Yet it was the Parkinson’s Foundation that helped me find the [Parkinson’s disease]- specific support and community I needed, when I needed it. By sharing practical insight and experiences, and emphasizing the importance of perspective and mindfulness, today I find hope in connecting with people who are newly diagnosed,” continued Baittie.
Parkinson’s Foundation launches awareness campaign
The foundation is launching its Parkinson’s Awareness Month campaign, “Find Real Answers,” aimed at connecting people to reliable, science-backed information while amplifying the real-life experiences of the more than one million people living with Parkinson’s across the country.
Parkinson’s disease, which affects more than 10 million people globally, is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and gives rise to a characteristic set of motor symptoms, including slowed movements, rigidity, tremor, and balance problems. Additionally, nonmotor symptoms include sleep problems, emotional complications, and difficulties with cognition and memory.
“Many of the 90,000 people in the U.S. who will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s this year may feel overwhelmed by the many and often complex questions that follow,” said John L. Lehr, president and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “As a trusted source for reliable information, we want to help people understand [Parkinson’s disease] and connect with the tools they need to live better.”
Patients and advocates can become better informed by visiting the foundation’s library of videos, podcasts, webinars, and fact sheets, which cover a wide range of topics related to Parkinson’s disease and daily living.
For immediate answers, patients and advocates can try the new AI-powered chat tool, Ask PAM (Parkinson’s Assistance Messenger), which provides trusted answers about Parkinson’s.
The foundation also encourages those living with the disease to connect with them on Facebook, X, and Instagram, share their stories, and help build a community of support for everyone living with Parkinson’s.
To assist participants, a social media kit and a resource and support map to help locate a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence or affiliated community organization are also available.
ADPA empowers with resources, support
The American Parkinson’s Disease Association (ADPA), a nationwide grassroots organization dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s, is also participating in Parkinson’s Awareness Month. The organization has launched a new public service announcement designed to raise awareness, educate the public, and offer encouragement and hope to those living with the disease.
“In April and all year round, the APDA supports people living with Parkinson’s, their care partners, and loved ones by connecting them with the resources, support, and education they need to feel empowered, connected, and optimistic,” Leslie A. Chambers, president and CEO of the foundation, said in an email with Parkinson’s News Today.
“From our in-person and virtual support groups, exercise classes, and educational events, to our extensive resource library, access to [Parkinson’s disease] experts, and more — we are committed to helping every member of our [Parkinson’s disease] community live life to the fullest.”
Throughout April, the APDA is offering several educational programs virtually, including:
- On April 2 at 2 p.m. EST, “Unlocking Strength Within: Vulnerability, Misinformation, and the Power of Pause” with guest speaker Brandi Hackett, a licensed clinical social worker.
- On April 7 at 1 p.m. EST, “Let’s Keep Moving with APDA: Balance 101: Understanding Unsteadiness” will feature guest speaker Timothy Nordahl, a research physical therapist.
- On April 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 10:30 a.m. PST, the Beyond Medication Wellness Series will be presented.
- On April 29 at 1 p.m. EST, “Ask the Doctor Anything!” will feature guest Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, with a Q&A on all aspects of Parkinson’s, including testing, diagnosis, managing symptoms, medications, surgical treatments, and the healthcare team.
Virtual health and wellness classes, including dance, tai chi, and yoga, are also being offered throughout the month. For local events, including symposia, educational conferences, walks, and Strictly Social events, advocates are encouraged to search the foundation’s website.
During awareness month, the community can triple the impact of a donation to the APDA as part of a fundraising campaign.
MJFF encourages advocates to take action, join Team Fox
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) has “Let’s End Parkinson’s. Together.” at the top of its awareness month website. MJFF encourages the Parkinson’s community to take action by advocating, donating, participating, or honoring a loved one.
To help raise money for research, patients and advocates are encouraged to join Team Fox, the foundation’s grassroots fundraising program, and consider hosting a do-it-yourself fundraiser. The community can access resources on the latest research, guides for every stage of Parkinson’s, and MJFF podcasts on the awareness website for education and inspiration.
Examples of upcoming local fundraisers listed on the site include a country music festival in Nashville, TN; a gala in NYC; a beer tasting in Orlando, FL; and pickleball in Guilford, CT.
MJFF is also offering a webinar entitled “What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?” on April 16 at 12 p.m. EST.
Patients can share their story through an online form on the foundation’s website and are encouraged to tag @michaeljfox.org on their social media posts during awareness month.
The Parkinson’s Unity Walk is taking place in Central Park, NYC, on April 25 at 8:30 a.m. The 1.2-mile walk through Central Park will help raise funds for Parkinson’s research as participants walk toward a world without Parkinson’s.
Global events mark Parkinson’s Awareness Month
In several countries across Europe, in-person events and virtual activities will take place to celebrate World Parkinson’s Day.
This year, Parkinson’s UK is marking World Parkinson’s Day by encouraging everyone to show their support and “Light up Blue,” by lighting buildings, hosting bake sales and other activities, and wearing the signature color.
People can also join Parkinson’s Europe in its call to action for improved healthcare services for people living with Parkinson’s across Europe through the “Bridge the Care Gap” campaign.
On World Parkinson’s Day, the Parkinson Association of Alberta is sponsoring “Stand Up to Parkinson’s” events in Calgary and Edmonton. The goal is to complete 25,000 Sit ‘n Stands as part of a broader goal of reaching 500,000 Sit ‘n Stands in April. Participants can enjoy free coffee and baked goods, appearances from local community leaders, and fitness demonstrations at the events. The events aim to promote physical activity among those living with the disease.
