April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive movement disorder affecting millions worldwide. This month, organizations and individuals worldwide work to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease, educate the public about the condition, and support research efforts to find better treatments and a cure.
#Take6forPD
The theme of this year’s National Parkinson’s Awareness Month is #Take6forPD. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, every six minutes, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the U.S. That’s why they’re asking everyone to take six minutes to raise Parkinson’s awareness this April.
Some ways you can give your six minutes include:
- Register to participate in the Parkinson’s Foundation’s global genetics study, PD GENEration.
- Watch a Neuro Talk.
- Sign up for an Expert Briefing webinar.
- Support drug discovery through our Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech.
- Join a research study.
Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
Part of raising awareness for Parkinson’s is knowing what signs to look for. If you notice any of the following symptoms in yourself or a loved one, call your doctor, as these are common signs of Parkinson’s:
- Tremors and uncontrollable shaking, often starting in one hand or arm
- Rigid limbs, neck, and trunk, which limits mobility
- Poor balance and frequent falls
- Changes in speech, including slurring, hesitations, and monotone voice
- Changes in writing, including small, cramped, or slow handwriting
- Loss of smell
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
How Hospice Can Help
Hospice care is focused on improving the quality of life for patients and their families, and it can be a valuable resource for those facing a life-limiting illness like Parkinson’s Disease. For example, hospice teams can provide expert pain management and help with activities of daily living, such as dressing and bathing, which can be challenging for people with Parkinson’s disease as the condition progresses. Hospice also provides emotional and spiritual support for both patients and their families, helping them cope with the challenges of the disease. If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s disease, contact us today to learn more about how hospice care can help.