Petition Local And State Officials To Declare Parkinsons Awareness Month
Go online to find out who to contact in your mayor or governors office to submit the request. After youve submitted make sure you follow up by email or phone to ensure it was received. A declaration will go a long way to reaching everyone in your state about Parkinsons Awareness Month.
To Raise Awareness Of This Debilitating Neurological Disease Its Symptomsdiagnosis And Treatments
What is Parkinsons Disease & Who Is At Risk of Getting It?
Parkinsons disease is a brain disorder that can affect both men and women, but 50% more men than women are affected. Most people develop Parkinsons disease at about age 60, with 5-10% of people developing early-onset Parkinsons which begins before the age of 50.
Early-onset forms of Parkinsons are often, but not always, inherited, andsome forms have been linked to specific gene mutations.
What Are The Symptoms of Parkinsons Disease?
Parkinsons disease has four main symptoms:
- Tremor in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
- Stiffness of the limbs and trunk
- Slowness of movement
- Impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls
What Is At The Root of Parkinsons Disease?
Although some cases of Parkinsons appear to be hereditary, and a few can be traced to specific genetic mutations, in most cases the disease occurs randomly and does not seem to run in families. Many researchers now believe that Parkinsons disease results from a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors such as exposure to toxins.
What Are The Early Symptoms & How Do They Progress Overtime?
Diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease
There are currently no blood or laboratory tests to diagnose non-genetic cases of Parkinsons disease. Diagnosis is based on a persons medical history and a neurological examination. Improvement after initiating medication is another important hallmark of Parkinsons disease.
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Recent Posts
We Asked People What Color They Associate With Parkinsons Disease
We wanted to know what color came to mind when people thought of Parkinsons disease. So we went to the best place we knew to ask, PD support groups on Facebook.
We asked the question, If Parkinsons was to represent a color, what would it be for you? to over 23,000 members in the groups Life with Parkinsons and Parkinsons Non-motor Symptoms.
We got responses from a total of 298 people from different backgrounds, countries, genders, and ages.
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Its April Time To Participate In Parkinsons Awareness Month
Activities are underway to mark Parkinsons Awareness Month, set aside each April to draw attention to the neurodegenerative disorder that affects some seven to 10 million people globally. At the center of this observance is World Parkinsons Day April 11.
Patients, family, caregivers and friends across the country are sharing stories, asking local governments to issue proclamations, participating in virtual workshops and lectures, and even taking a quiz. All this is to heighten awareness of Parkinsons disease among the general public, while gaining the attention of lawmakers, industry representatives, scientists, and health professionals.
The theme of this years awareness month is #KnowMorePD. As such, the Parkinsons Foundation is seeking not only to raise awareness of the disease, but of all the resources the organization offers to help make lives better for people with Parkinsons and their families, particularly during uncertain times.
We have greatly expanded our research and education initiatives online to reach people with Parkinsons and provide information they need to live better with the disease, said John L. Lehr, president and CEO of the Parkinsons Foundation, in a statement to Parkinsons News Today.
As the pandemic continues, so does our commitment to raising awareness and acting as a frontline resource for the Parkinsons community during Parkinsons Awareness Month and beyond, he said.
The organization also is presenting other events this month:
How To Celebrate Parkinsons Awareness Month
Start conversations with your friends and family about Parkinsons Disease. Start thinking about what PD means to you, and if youre passionate about awareness, then let everyone know on social media using the hashtag #ParkinsonAwarenessMonth what this month means to you. Support your favorite foundations by donating and look up the most current research about PD to see if you can help others get the resources they need to handle PD.
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You Can Help Us End Parkinsons
At The Michael J. Fox Foundation, were here. Until Parkinsons isnt. Join us by signing up for updates with the latest research news. Or, browse this page for ways to get involved this Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Join our Foundation and the Parkinson’s community at happenings this spring and beyond.
World Parkinsons Disease Awareness Month: Recap From 2015
Perhaps I am stronger than I think. Thomas Merton I choose to make the rest of my life the best of my life. Louise Hay Introduction: We celebrate Parkinsons Awareness month in April since it is the birth month of James Parkinson. He first reported/described the disorder, and from which, years later, his name was
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A Red Tulip For Parkinsons Disease
If you were to see a yellow ribbon, you would mostly connect it to supporting our troops. Likewise with a pink ribbon being in support of finding a cure/advocating for breast cancer awareness.
But why choose a tulip for Parkinsons disease, and a red one, at that?
The red tulip doesnt symbolize love but is a symbol adopted by the Parkinsons community worldwide to bring awareness to Parkinsons disease .
Even though the red tulip hadnt been associated with Parkinsons awareness since the early 1980s, it wasnt until April 11, 2005 that the red tulip, with a fringe of white, was set in motion as the official symbol of PD at the 9th World Parkinsons disease Day Conference in Luxembourg.
The tulip is described in detail as the exterior being a glowing cardinal red, small feathered white edge, the outer base whitish the inside, a currant-red to turkey-red, broad feathered white edge, anthers pale yellow.
The new, red tulip was developed by a Dutch horticulturist and Parkinsons disease patient by the name of J.W.S. Van der Wereld. The tulip was named after Dr. James Parkinson, the doctor who discovered Parkinsons disease, who originally named the disease the shaking palsy. Not only did the tulip receive the Award of Merit that year from the Royal Horticultural Society in England, but it also was presented with the Trial Garden Award from the Royal General Bulb Growers of Holland.
There are several different variations of the PD tulip symbol.
Chemical That Triggers Parkinsons Disease Discovered
- Saint Louis University
- Summary:
- The key brain chemical that causes Parkinsons disease has been discovered. This is a breakthrough finding that could pave the way for new, far more effective therapies to treat one of the most common and debilitating neurological disorders.
Researchers at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine have discovered the key brain chemical that causes Parkinsons disease a breakthrough finding that could pave the way for new, far more effective therapies to treat one of the most common and debilitating neurological disorders.
Currently, the main approach for treating Parkinsons disease, which afflicts more than 1.5 million Americans, is to replace dopamine thats lost when the cells that produce it die off and cause the disorder. With this new research, however, scientists can better work toward neuroprotective therapies those that actually block dopamine cells from dying off in the first place.
We believe this work represents a very significant breakthrough in understanding the complicated chemical process that results in Parkinsons disease, said William J. Burke, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neurology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the studys lead author.
For the first time, weve identified the chemical that triggers the events in the brain that cause this disorder, Burke added. We believe these findings can be used to develop therapies that can actually stop or slow this process.
Story Source:
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Reach Out To Someone With Parkinsons Disease
Everyone is busy. You may know someone with PD but havent taken the time to acknowledge their struggle or known what to do. Parkinsons Awareness Month is a good time to consider gifts for someone with PD or support for the caregiver. Once you have made the commitment consider keeping it going year-round.
Do Your Part To Reduce Stigma
As difficult as it may be, being honest with others about your experience with Parkinsons Disease is one of the best ways to reduce stigma. The unfamiliarity of symptoms and behaviors can lead to isolation and shame. The more accustomed people become to the disease, the more accepting and willing they will be to participate in efforts to support you and your loved one.
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Take A Journey Through Parkinsons Disease During April Parkinsons Disease Awareness Month
AMES, Iowa April is Parkinsons Disease Awareness Month a time devoted to raising awareness for the cause. However, for those living with the disease and their caregivers, Parkinsons Disease Awareness Month is every month of the year, says Malisa Rader, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Affecting an estimated 1 million Americans and 10 million people worldwide, Parkinsons disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimers and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the United States. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control , as well as non-motor symptoms . There is no cure for Parkinsons and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone.
ISU Extension and Outreach offers a three-week educational series titled A Journey Through Parkinsons Disease to support those recently diagnosed and those who simply want to learn more about the disease, which impacts over 8,300 Iowans. Iowa States Department of Kinesiology and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach are sponsoring the course.
A Journey Through Parkinsons Disease is a result of Elizabeth Stegemollers research and work to improve the lives of people with Parkinsons disease. Stegemoller is an associate professor and director of the graduate neuroscience program in the Department of Kinesiology at Iowa State University.
Sharing News Updates And Stories From Ciminocare
We feel it is essential to share current events innovations in care and personal stories of those who make CiminoCare such a special company, including management, staff, residents, and families. We hope youll find the following articles to not only be educational, but also a indication of what we feel is important, inspiring, and entertaining. We truly enjoy caring for Seniors and like to share what we do to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us.
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Make Awareness Month Meaningful
During the month of April, I will be spending time telling others about how exercise is medicine for Parkinson’s. Is there something you can do for Parkinsons Awareness Month?
One suggestion is to start by making people around you more familiar with this disorder. It is important to help others learn more about this neurodegenerative disease.
Let me know what you are doing if you decide to participate in some activity for Parkinsons Awareness Month.
However, as you approach your disorder with steely-eyed-determination, treat every new day as a day for Parkinson’s awareness. It will make a difference in your approach to treatment and hopefully yield an improved quality-of-life.
The Origins Of Parkinsons Awareness Month
In 1817, Dr. James Parkinson published An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, which contains the first instance of the diseases description.
We recognize Parkinsons disease as a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of neurons that produce dopamine. The brain needs dopamine to trigger movement and speech, which is why the lack of it leads to the common 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, constipation, and cognitive impairment.
While there is no cure for Parkinsons, advancements in medical knowledge, technology, support programs, and PD community resources have allowed those living with PD to thrive despite their symptoms. Parkinsons Awareness Month is held every April to bring light to the disease and the solutions for living with it.
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Early Signs Of Parkinsons
1. Have you noticed a slight shaking or tremor in your finger, thumb, hand, or chin? 2. Has your handwriting gotten much smaller than it was in the past? 3. Do you have trouble moving your bowels without straining every day? 4. Have you noticed you no longer smell certain foods very well? 5. Do you thrash around in bed or act out dreams when you are asleep? 6. Do you notice that you often feel dizzy when you go from sitting down to standing up? 7. Are you not standing up as straight as you used to? 8. Do you feel stiff in your body, arms, or legs? Have others noticed that one or both of your arms doesnt swing as it used to when you walk? 9. Have you been told that you have a serious, depressed, or mad look on your face, even when you are not in a bad mood? 10. Have other people told you that your voice is very soft or that you sound hoarse?
Although there is no cure for Parkinsons disease, treatment options vary and include medications and surgery. Approximately one million people have Parkinsons in the United. Parkinsons disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder that affects mostly 65 years of age and older. Although 1 out of every 10 people with the disease is younger than 45.
Significance Of Parkinsons Awareness Month
Every year, roughly 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. The costs relating to the condition cost the U.S. about $52 billion a year.
PD has a significant impact on lives all across the nation and the world. Parkinsons Awareness Month helps mitigate that impact through:
- Raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with Parkinsons
- 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 prosper
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What Are The Colors Symbols Or Hashtags For Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Symbols, colors, and hashtags draw attention to a specific month, which highlights the disease itself. Social media is a tool for sharing these colors, symbols, and hashtags.
There is lots of competition for research dollars, fundraising, and support for a variety of illnesses and conditions. It takes repeated exposure to a variety of visual cues to get peoples attention.
Early Signs Of Parkinsons Disease
It can be hard to tell if you or a loved one has Parkinsons disease .
Below are 10 signs that you might have the disease. No single one of these signs means that you should worry, but if you have more than one sign you should consider making an appointment to talk to your doctor.
1. Tremor
Have you noticed a slight shaking or tremor in your finger, thumb, hand or chin? A tremor while at rest is a common early sign of Parkinsons disease.
2. Constipation
Do you have trouble moving your bowels without straining every day? Straining to move your bowels can be an early sign of Parkinsons disease and you should talk to your doctor.
3. Loss of Smell
Have you noticed you no longer smell certain foods very well? If you seem to have more trouble smelling foods like bananas, dill pickles or licorice, you should ask your doctor about Parkinsons.
4. Trouble Sleeping
Do you thrash around in bed or act out dreams when you are deeply asleep? Sometimes, your spouse will notice or will want to move to another bed. Sudden movements during sleep may be a sign of Parkinsons disease.
5. Trouble Moving or Walking
Do you feel stiff in your body, arms or legs? Sometimes stiffness goes away as you move. If it does not, it can be a sign of Parkinsons disease. An early sign might be stiffness or pain in your shoulder or hips. People sometimes say their feet seem stuck to the floor.
6. Small Handwriting
7. A Soft or Low Voice
8. Masked Face
9. Dizziness or Fainting
10. Hunching Over
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How Is Parkinsons Disease Diagnosed
At present, there are no laboratory tests that can confirm the diagnosis of Parkinsons disease and a physician determines a diagnosis by taking a family and health history, performing a physical and neurological exam, observing the persons movements and muscle function, and ruling out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms.
Join Blogs And Forums
Whether you are a caregiver or a person with PD, reading blogs and participating in forums is a valuable way to exchange ideas on care, symptom management, and current research. There are many caregiver blogs out there, especially ones focused on caring for a patient with Parkinsons. Isolation is not good for anyone and it can be easy to feel alone in the struggle against PD.
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Parkinsons Awareness Month: Signs Symptoms And Treatments
Its Parkinsons Awareness Month, and we find it crucial to shed light on signs of this disease since it develops very slowly and can often be missed early on. For those who may be unfamiliar, Parkinsons Disease directly affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Dopamine is important to controlling mobility.
So far, doctors are not completely sure what causes this disorder, but they believe gene and environment changes may be factors. There is no cure yet, however, with the right treatment, symptoms can be successfully managed and controlled. With that said, our care team in Pitman NJ has compiled helpful information such as signs, symptoms and treatment options for Parkinsons Disease.