Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month: Learn, Support, and Advocate

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and educate individuals about Parkinson’s disease (PD). Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately one million people in the United States and ten million people worldwide live with Parkinson’s Disease. Although Parkinson’s is most commonly diagnosed in older adults, it can affect individuals of any age.

The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is still unknown, but researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, medications and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals living with the disease.

Parkinson’s symptoms can be subtle in the early stages, making diagnosis difficult. Common symptoms include tremors or shaking in the hands, arms, legs, or jaw. They also include stiffness or rigidity in the limbs or trunk, slow movement, difficulty with balance and coordination, and changes in speech and writing.

There are many ways to support Parkinson’s Awareness Month and raise awareness of the disease. Here are some ideas.

1. Educate yourself about Parkinson’s and share what you learn with others. The more people know about the disease, the better equipped they will be to support Parkinson’s patients and advocate for research and funding.
2. Share information about the new Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups offered through WeCAN (West Central Caregivers Alliance Network) with your friends, community groups, or church. Spreading the news about area support services can help support those living with the disease and their loved ones.
3. Reach out to someone you know who lives with Parkinson’s Disease and offer to go for a walk together. Daily movement can be key in managing PD symptoms, and improving mental health, and overall quality of life.
4. Explore a PWR! Class at Club Bethesda! PWR! stands for Parkinson Wellness Recovery and is a cutting edge Parkinson disease-specific neuroplasticity-principled exercise program that holds promise to slow disease progression, improve symptoms, restore function, and increase longevity and quality of life. This class is centered around PWR!Moves  which are the core of the programs PD-specific functional exercise and physical therapy programs. The Basic 4 PWR!Moves are designed to each target a skill known to deteriorate in people with Parkinson disease, which often leads to loss of mobility and function.
   • PWR! classes are offered weekly:
     • Mondays 10:15 am Club Bethesda @ Bethesda North Pointe – New London
     • Tuesday 1:00 pm Club Bethesda @ Bethesda North Pointe – New London
     • Thursdays 9:00 am Club Bethesda – Willmar
     • Friday 10:15 am (starting April 21st) Club Bethesda @ Bethesda North Pointe – New London
5. Learn more about the importance of medication management and the benefits that on-time administration can have on the quality of life for those with Parkinson’s Disease.
6. Get social. Join us for a complimentary PD Social on April 27 at the Willmar Community Center for an afternoon of community connectedness for those living with PD and their loved ones. This social will include a make and take craft to practice dexterity, community resources, light refreshments, social connectedness and FUN! Please RSVP to Melissa by e-mailing [email protected] or by phone (320) 214-5622.

In conclusion, Parkinson’s Awareness Month is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about a disease that affects millions of people around the world. Our efforts can make a difference in the lives of those living with Parkinson’s by educating ourselves and others, supporting research, and advocating for them will help make our community a better place for those living with the disease.