Parkinson’s Awareness Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Parkinson’s Awareness Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Parkinson’s Awareness Week is observed on April 10th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Parkinson’s Awareness Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you need know about Parkinson’s Awareness Week.

📅 What day is Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2024?

In 2024, Parkinson’s Awareness Week is on Monday, April 10th. It is the 2nd Monday in April; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the exciting details and facts about April 10, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Parkinson’s Awareness Week is a yearly event in the UK that starts on April 11, World Parkinson’s Day, and ends on April 17. Its main goal is to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease in the country and provide support to those affected by it. Parkinson’s disease is a rare neurological condition that leads to difficulties in movement. The symptoms usually develop slowly in middle-aged and older adults, beginning with a slight tremor in one hand. Since there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s Awareness Week plays a crucial role. It involves various activities aimed at educating the public and raising funds for research and treatment of the disease.

📜 Parkinson’s Awareness Week History

Parkinson, born in 1755 in London, initially had a political career and was a member of the London Corresponding Society (L.C.S.). However, his involvement in a false plot to assassinate King George in 1794 led him to abandon politics and focus on medicine. In 1817, he published the influential “Essay on the Shaking Palsy” and other medical works. Parkinson’s research in “The Shaking Palsy” documented a condition he observed in six individuals, studying its degenerative symptoms and their effects on posture, walking, and tremors. At the time, there was limited understanding of tremors, so Parkinson named the condition “Shaking Palsy or Paralysis Agitans.”

Today, there are various medication therapies available to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. In 1969, levodopa became the first medicine used to treat the condition. In the same year, Mali Jenkins established the Parkinson’s Disease Society, now known as Parkinson’s U.K., in a small office in Putney, London. Parkinson’s U.K. has grown into a thriving community of professionals, researchers, and volunteers dedicated to the well-being of individuals with Parkinson’s. They started their first local Parkinson’s group in 1970 and currently have around 365 local groups across the United Kingdom, providing support and companionship to those affected by Parkinson’s.

✅ Parkinson’s Awareness Week Facts

🔖 Parkinson’s mostly affects middle-aged and elderly people
The most significant risk factor for Parkinson’s disease is age, as it predominantly impacts individuals who are 50 years old or older.

🔖 Freezing is a common symptom of Parkinson’s
Muscle rigidity or immobility is a prevalent motor symptom often seen in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

🔖 One in every 500 people has Parkinson’s
Around 120,000 individuals in the United Kingdom, which is approximately one in every 500 people, are affected by Parkinson’s disease.

👍 Why Is Parkinson’s Awareness Week Important

Parkinson’s Awareness Week is a once-a-year chance to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease alongside others. Because there is no treatment for Parkinson’s, there is an opportunity to generate much-needed funding to assist those living with the condition.

We get to participate in online and in-person initiatives aimed at raising public awareness of the plight of those living with Parkinson’s disease. We can also assist patients and their families in reaching out to others impacted by the illness.

We collect cash for Parkinson’s research and treatment by participating in fundraising activities that draw the public’s attention to the disease. We also gather and disseminate Parkinson’s information at these events.

🙂 How To Observe Parkinson’s Awareness Week

⚡ Attend Parkinson’s events

⚡ Walk, run or cycle for Parkinson’s
Become a part of a fundraising group for Parkinson’s and participate in activities like walking, running, or biking to raise funds for individuals affected by the disease. Engaging in conversations about Parkinson’s alone may not generate the necessary support needed to provide proper care for patients. Your contribution, in the form of dollars, will greatly assist in covering expenses for treatments, healthcare services, therapy, and research.

⚡ Help create awareness about Parkinson’s disease
There are several excellent Parkinson’s events available, both virtual and in-person. There are educational lectures, exercise classes, webinars, and other activities available. Participate in any of your options to discover more about the uncommon nervous system disorder.

📅 When is Parkinson’s Awareness Week?

See all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Parkinson’s Awareness Week. So be sure to check back soon.