April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and it’s more important than ever to raise awareness for this challenging disease.

Parkinson’s affects 1 million people in the United States alone and is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder behind Alzheimer’s disease.

This Parkinson’s Awareness Month, let’s learn more about PD and how we can support family, friends, care partners, and all those who are impacted.

The Origins of Parkinson’s Awareness Month

In 1817, Dr. James Parkinson published “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy,” which contains the first instance of the disease’s description.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of neurons that produce dopamine.

The brain needs dopamine to trigger movement and speech. It’s believed that the loss of dopamine in Parkinson’s leads to common motor symptoms of PD like tremors, difficulty with balance or movement, stiffness of the limbs, and speech problems. Many living with PD also experience symptoms unrelated to movement and speech, including depression, sleep disorders, apathy, constipation, and cognitive impairment.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, advancements in medical knowledge, technology, support programs, and community resources have allowed those living with PD to live their absolute best lives despite their symptoms.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month is held every April to bring light to the disease and the solutions for living with it.

World Parkinson’s Day (April 11th)

Photo credit: www.worldparkinsonsnight.com

The first World Parkinson’s Day took place on April 11, 1997, with April 11th chosen to honor Dr. James Parkinson’s birthday.

This year, PD Avengers is honoring World Parkinson’s Day with their “SPARK THE NIGHT” campaign!

As part of SPARK THE NIGHT, cities around the world will partner with local leaders to illuminate buildings and iconic landmarks in blue, symbolizing support for Parkinson’s disease. Their goal is to light 11.8 million blue lights—one for each of the 11.8 million people living with Parkinson’s worldwide.

Here’s how you can join: 

✅ Request blue lighting on local landmarks

✅ Share the campaign on social media with #SparkTheNight

✅ Volunteer and help spread the word

Visit www.worldparkinsonsnight.com to learn more and get involved!

Significance of Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Every year, roughly 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The costs relating to the condition (including medical treatment, federal assistance, and missed earning potential) total over $20 billion annually in the United States.

PD has a significant impact on lives all across the nation and the world. Parkinson’s Awareness Month helps mitigate that impact through:

• Raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with Parkinson’s
• Supporting those living with PD through events that encourage volunteerism and donations
• Appreciating all the individuals, organizations, support groups, and healthcare professionals that aid in helping those living with PD

We firmly believe that the more we spread awareness of Parkinson’s, the more we can change perceptions and influence real change!

How You Can Participate

No matter where you are in the world, you can participate in Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.

Here are several ways to show your support:

• Attend events in your local area

Many organizations and support groups, like PCLA, organize events and programs throughout the month, so check out our calendar for the latest happenings (like our Comedy Fundraiser on Sunday, April 27th, and the dnj Spontaenous Activity art exhibit running from April 5th to June 21st.)

• Share your story on social media

With millions of people active on social media, you can help bring awareness by sharing how PD has affected your life or that of others. Follow, share, and engage on PCLA’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

• Donate to the cause

Non-profit organizations rely on donations to achieve their goal of improving the lives of people with PD. Consider donating to PCLA during this Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

• Check-in on friends or family

If you know someone living with Parkinson’s or a caretaker, give them a call or visit to see how they are doing. Did you know studies show that isolation and loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking cigarettes? Every interaction helps.

• Get a checkup

If you have any concerns about your neurological well-being, check in with your doctor to properly understand your brain health.

• Participate in a study or survey

Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s or know someone who is, look for active studies where you can provide invaluable input that may help inform future advancements.

Here are two studies/surveys to check out for Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2025:

• Project P.A.T.H. — A 5-minute survey by UCLA to help improve Parkinson’s care and access to resources
• Persevere — A nationwide, NIH-funded research study testing an educational program for family caregivers of people with Parkinson’s disease.

If you want to learn more about how you can make a difference in Parkinson’s disease, don’t hesitate to contact PCLA!

We’re here to connect all those impacted by PD with resources to live their absolute best lives.

The Future of Parkinson’s Advocacy

We’re continuously encouraged by the strides being made in Parkinson’s research and policy. Last July, President Biden signed the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act into law, the first-ever federal legislation dedicated to ending Parkinson’s disease!

Additionally, there have been recent breakthroughs in utilizing biomarkers for early diagnosis.

Biomarkers are measurable signals in the body—like certain proteins, brain scan changes, or genetic traits—that may help detect Parkinson’s disease early, even before symptoms appear. Scientists are studying these markers to create screening tools that could identify people at risk or in the very early stages of the disease.

This is especially exciting as there is currently no single test for diagnosing Parkinson’s. Advancements such as these could be monumental for helping people get treatment earlier, slowing the progression of the disease and enhancing their quality of life with Parkinson’s.

It’s because of the incredible efforts of so many individuals and the spreading of awareness of Parkinson’s disease that we’ve been able to influence changes like these.

Let’s continue spreading the word, uplifting voices within the Parkinson’s community, and exacting change within our own communities, today and every day!