TABLE OF CONTENT
When is Parkinson’s Awareness Month?
April is recognised as Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and empathy for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. In this blog, we aim to shed light on Parkinson’s, provide valuable insights, and inspire action in support of those living with this condition.
Understanding Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects your body movement. It can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. This impacts not only the people who are diagnosed with it but also their loved ones.
According to a survey, in the UK, around 153,000 people are already living with Parkinson’s.
If we broke down these facts within the UK, estimated figures for 2023 are:
- England: 128,000
- Scotland: 12,900
- Wales: 8,300
- Northern Ireland: 4,200
With population growth and ageing, this is likely to increase to around 172,000 people in the UK by 2030. Every hour, 2 more people are diagnosed. That’s the same as 18,000 people every year.
Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s
Common symptoms include tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. While the exact cause is not fully understood, factors such as genetics, environmental triggers, and the ageing process are believed to play a role in its development.
The Importance of Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Dedicating a month to Parkinson’s awareness is important for its understanding, empathy, and support for those living with the disease. It serves as an opportunity to educate the public, reduce stigma, and advocate for improved care and research funding.
Champion Muhammad Ali’s Fight Against Parkinson’s
One of the most notable figures who brought Parkinson’s disease into the public eye was the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Renowned for his athleticism, charisma, and remarkable career in the ring, He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1984, years after his retirement from boxing.
Despite facing the progressive challenges of the disease, Muhammad Ali remained an inspirational figure, advocating for awareness and research funding. His resilience and determination in the face of Parkinson’s served as a beacon of hope for many, highlighting the importance of support, understanding, and ongoing research in the fight against this condition.
Colour and Symbol of Parkinson’s Awareness Month
The colour is grey and the tulip was adopted as the official symbol of Parkinson’s in 2005.
Spreading Awareness and Education
It’s essential to equip ourselves with knowledge about Parkinson’s disease. Understanding the symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatments can lead to early detection and improved management of the condition.
Educational resources and materials play a vital role in empowering individuals to recognize potential signs of Parkinson’s and seek appropriate medical care.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Parkinson’s Awareness Month serves to understand and empathise with people having this syndrome. Concise Medico’s provision of specialised care in Physiotherapy, and Chiropractic, Rehab services, these services aren’t just treatments, they’re vital components in the holistic approach to managing symptoms and enriching the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s.
