World Parkinson’s Day: Raising Hope for the Elderly

• Written by Mudit Handa

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Neurodegenerative diseases hold a significant share globally among various age-related physiological issues. A prominent example of such a disease is Parkinson's Disease, which affects millions of people annually. According to a recent report by the Parkinson's Disease Society of the United Kingdom, over 10 million people are currently living with various forms of Parkinson's disease​. Parkinson's Europe also reports that the number of individuals with this disease is projected to double by 2050.

To address the growing concern around Parkinson's Disease, World Parkinson's Day is observed on April 11th each year. It aims to raise awareness for better ways of Parkinson's treatment, and to support those living with it. 

This article will illuminate the root causes and symptoms of Parkinson's Disease and effective ways to support people living with it.

What is the History of World Parkinson's Day?

A celebrated English surgeon, James Parkinson, wrote and published the ‘Essay on the Shaking Palsy’ in 1817. He identified a motor neuro disorder prevalent in older age. In his honour, the disease was named Parkinson's disease. 

In 1997, the Parkinson's Disease Society of the United Kingdom designated James Parkinson’s birthday, 11th April, as World Parkinson’s Day. Subsequently, the WHO established the Working Group on Parkinson's Disease in May 1997.

Since then, World Parkinson’s Day has been observed annually on April 11th to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease and better serve its community.

What is the Significance of World Parkinson's Day?

World Parkinson's Day holds significant importance for several reasons:

• Raising Awareness: The day educates the public about Parkinson's disease, its symptoms, causes, and available treatments, which fosters understanding and reduces the stigma associated with the condition.   
• Support for Patients and Caregivers: It provides an opportunity to show solidarity with people living with Parkinson's and their caregivers. Events and initiatives on this day offer support, encouragement, and resources to help them cope with the challenges of the disease.
• Advocacy for Research: World Parkinson's Day promotes research efforts to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson's. It encourages governments, organisations, and individuals to invest in research and development for this cause.
• Community Building: The day brings together people affected by Parkinson's, creating a sense of community and shared experience. It allows them to connect, share stories, and learn from one another.
• Global Collaboration: World Parkinson's Day fosters collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups worldwide. It facilitates sharing knowledge and resources to advance the understanding and management of Parkinson's disease.

By highlighting these aspects, World Parkinson's Day plays a crucial role in improving the lives of people with Parkinson's and moving closer to a future without the disease.

What is the Theme for World Parkinson's Day 2025?

Although the theme for World Parkinson's Day 2025 has not yet been officially announced, Parkinson's Europe is keen on emphasising positive change for patients living with Parkinson's through awareness campaigns. Through global initiatives, efforts will be made to improve care and empower the community.

Besides raising awareness among the masses about positive ways to live with Parkinson's Disease, it is crucial to educate people about the role of adequate health coverage for such a disease. 

What are the Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that causes shaking of limbs or hands, stiffness, stressed and imbalanced walking, and loss of coordination. The most common motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:

• Tremors: Shaking, usually starting in a limb, often at rest.
• Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement.
• Rigidity: Stiffness of the limbs and trunk that results in stressed walking.
• Postural instability: Impaired balance and coordination.

In addition, several non-motor symptoms are also common in Parkinson's patients:

• Loss of sense of smell: An early symptom in some cases.
• Sleep disturbances: These include insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, which can cause complex movements and lead patients to act out their dreams.
• Depression and anxiety: Frequent mood swings often result in emotional changes causing anxiety and acute depression.
• Cognitive impairment: Including problems with memory, thinking, and judgment. Sometimes, people with severe Parkinson’s also develop symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Constipation: Mental distress from Parkinson's can lead to constipation, a common digestive issue, and may result in dependence on laxatives for regulating bowel movements.

What is Bradykinesia?

Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement and a decrease in speed, often with progressive hesitations or pauses. 

• As a cardinal symptom of Parkinson's disease, Bradykinesia develops due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the ‘substantia nigra’, a part of the brain responsible for movement control. 
• Dopamine facilitates the control of body movements in this region of the brain.

As dopamine levels decline, these neurons degenerate, impairing the brain's ability to initiate and execute movements. This causes slowness, hesitations, and difficulty with voluntary movements.

How Can We Participate in World Parkinson's Day?

There are many ways to participate in World Parkinson's Day:

• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about Parkinson's disease and share that with others to raise awareness.
• Knit Blue Tulips for the Elderly: Blue tulips are a symbol of the Parkinson's community. Volunteers are encouraged to knit blue tulips and give them as a token of affection and support to the elderly living with Parkinson's. 
• Show Support: Keep track of local events in your area. You can attend a local event or organise your own to show solidarity with Parkinson's patients and their caretakers.
• Donate: Consider donating to the Parkinson's Research Organization or supporting a local support group.
• Advocate: Contact your elected representatives to advocate for increased funding for Parkinson's research.
• Connect: Reach out to people in your community affected by Parkinson's and offer your support.

Let’s Battle Parkinson's with Comprehensive Health Coverage 

Living with Parkinson's Disease is challenging, especially for the elderly. In addition to the physical and mental challenges, Parkinson's Disease can create a significant financial burden for both patients and their caregivers. However, with judicious financial planning, the regular expenses associated with Parkinson's Treatment can be easily managed. Therefore, having financial support, such as critical mediclaim insurance that covers neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, is crucial. When choosing a health insurance plan, it's important to check the age limit and coverage details for neurodegenerative conditions.

>> Also Read: 5 Ways to Protect Your Elderly from Parkinson's Disease

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.