World Parkinson’s Day is observed on April 11 every year to raise awareness about this medical condition. Parkinson’s remains a somewhat unknown condition, and its severity is not known to most people. What is well known is that Parkinson’s is a disorder that afflicts the nervous system, it hampers movement and is often characterized by tremors. This day aims to increase awareness among people and get us all to get together and help those in need. Extensive research is also encouraged in order to get us closer to the cure of the condition.
History of World Parkinson’s Day
Components of possible Parkinson’s disease are available in the early documents, but the first clear medical description was written in 1817 by James Parkinson. Fragments of the description of Parkinsonism can be found in earlier descriptions such as Sylvius de la Boe’s description of rest tremor in 1680, and Sauvage’s description of festination in 1768.Earlier Indian and Chinese documents in 1000 B.C. provided descriptions of Parkinson’s. Early treatments of Parkinson’s were based on empirical observations, and anticholinergic drugs were used in the 19th century. In the mid-1800s, Jean-Martin Charcot was very influential in refining and expanding this description, and he disseminated information internationally about Parkinson’s. Charcot and his students described the clinical spectrum of the disease and noted two prototypes, and they produced a full detailed description of the arthritic changes, dysautonomia, and pain that can accompany Parkinson’s disease.Charcot first suggested the term Parkinson’s disease. In the 1960s, the chemical differences in Parkinson’s patient’s brains were identified and researchers found low levels of dopamine and degeneration of nerve cells in a part of the brain. This helped make effective treatment of Parkinson’s disease with dopamine agonists possible. Levodopa in the 1960s was administered to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s, and still, it is the most widely used medicine.
World Parkinson’s Day timeline
Components of possible Parkinson’s disease are available in the early documents, but James Parkinson writes the first clear medical description.
Charcot and his students describe the clinical spectrum of the disease and note two prototypes, and produce a full detailed description of the arthritic changes, dysautonomia, and pain that can accompany Parkinson’s disease.
The chemical differences in the brains of Parkinson’s patients are identified, and researchers find that low levels of dopamine and degeneration of nerve cells in a part of the brain are responsible for the condition.
The Foundation is formed and is named after the television and movie actor; it raises over 90 million dollars for people suffering from Parkinson’s.
World Parkinson’s Day FAQs
What is the color of ribbon for Parkinson’s?
The red tulip signifies Parkinson’s disease awareness.
Why is World Parkinson’s Day celebrated?
It is observed to raise awareness about the condition of Parkinson’s.
Is it painful for one with Parkinson’s disease?
According to medics, pain is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
How to Observe World Parkinson’s Day
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Research and read up
Research and read up about the disease. Find out more about the disease so that you can teach others about it and spread awareness.
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Spread awareness
Spread awareness about the disease. Parkinson's remains unknown to many people, and it is time to raise awareness about the disease.
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Donate
Help people suffering from Parkinson's in any way possible. Donate or volunteer to help people.
5 Facts About Parkinson's Disease
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There is no cure
The cause of Parkinson’s is largely unknown, and there is no cure, but treatments vary for the condition.
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People don’t have the same symptoms
The symptoms progress differently for different people.
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There are some early signs
Change in handwriting, in which handwriting becomes smaller or crowded over time, and loss of smell of foods is another symptom.
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Exercise can help
Exercise can help in improving many of Parkinson’s symptoms.
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There are designated centers to treat it
The Centers of Excellence comprises 47 international leading medical centers which are staffed by renowned Parkinson’s disease specialists.
Why World Parkinson’s Day is Important
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It spreads awareness
This day helps in spreading awareness about Parkinson’s disease. It is vital for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
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It has a noble cause
This day has a very noble cause of helping people with Parkinson’s. It helps raise funds for the needy and pushes for a cure.
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It brings the community together
This day brings the community together to fight Parkinson’s disease. People come together to help people with Parkinson’s.
World Parkinson’s Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 11 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | April 11 | Thursday |
| 2025 | April 11 | Friday |
| 2026 | April 11 | Saturday |
| 2027 | April 11 | Sunday |
