World Parkinson’s Day (WPD) is yearly marked across the globe on 11 April to raise awareness and encourage research toward better medicines and a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD), sometimes known as “paralysis agitans”
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic degenerative ailment that affects both the motor and non-motor systems. The day honors Dr. James Parkinson (1755-1824), an English surgeon who was the first to diagnose “paralysis agitans”.
Symbol: Red tulip with a fringe of white is the official symbol for Parkinson’s.
Background:
- The inaugural World Parkinson’s Day (WPD) was celebrated in April 1997.
- It was established by the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (now Parkinson’s Europe) and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization.
- The first WPD event in 1997 coincided with the establishment of the Parkinson’s Europe Charter, which brought together people with Parkinson’s, their families, and healthcare professionals to raise knowledge and profile of the disease.
- The first WPD event in 1997 coincided with the establishment of the Parkinson’s Europe Charter, which brought together people with Parkinson’s, their families, and healthcare professionals to raise knowledge and profile of the disease.
What is Parkinson’s?
- It is a neurological disorder that impairs the brain’s ability to create dopamine, a neurotransmitter required for motor control.
- Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed by drugs, surgery, and lifestyle changes to enhance quality of life.