April is Parkinson’s Awareness month. This month is all about raising awareness about Parkinson’s and the available resources developed to make life better for people living with Parkinson’s, their care partners, family members and friends.
Did you Know?
April was chosen as Parkinson’s Awareness month to honor James Parkinson and his discoveries. Dr. Parkinson was a neurologist who published a paper in 1817 “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy”. The disease was later named after Dr. Parkinson many years after getting noticed by the medical community. Read the full essay here
The red tulip is the symbol of Parkinson’s Disease. This red tulip was developed by J.W.S. Van der Wereld, a Dutch horticulturist who had Parkinson’s disease. He dedicated and named this tulip for James Parkinson.
There is no standard diagnostic test for Parkinson’s. Many individuals living with Parkinson’s are not diagnosed for several months if not years after noticing their first symptom.
The cause is unknown. Genetics cause about 10 to 15 percent of all Parkinson’s. The other 85 to 90 percent of cases are classified as sporadic (or occasional). Although there is no cure, treatment options vary and include medications, surgery and lifestyle modifications.
Want to know more?
There are a number of great resources on Parkinson’s Disease, and you can learn in a lot of different ways.
DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS
The Parkinson’s HandbookPublished by the American Parkinson Disease Association, 2019
This 48 page handbook provides information about Parkinson’s along with symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Published by the Davis Phinney Foundation, 2019
People living with Parkinson’s, their care partners and families, and friends of those living with Parkinson’s want reliable and practical information that will help them improve their quality of life today and every day.
PODCAST:
Parkinson’s: Substantial Matters
Every other Tuesday, The Parkinson’s Foundation brings you a new episode of Substantial Matters: Life and Science of Parkinson’s. Host Dan Keller, PhD, interviews Parkinson’s experts to highlight the treatments and techniques that can help you live a better life now, as well as the research that can bring a better tomorrow. Episodes focus on a range of topics relevant to your daily life, including new levodopa delivery methods, exercise, clinical trials, nutrition and more!
The Parkinson’s Podcast™ is produced by the Davis Phinney Foundation and covers topics ranging from Parkinson’s basics to how to talk to kids and families about Parkinson’s to new topics in the field like palliative care and much more.
In February 2019, the Peterson Painters was established. The Peterson Painters is a creative art support group for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Lead by program coordinator, Gail Torrence, the Peterson Painters provides a nurturing space where participants learn about various artists, techniques and partake in monthly activities.
