Parkinson’s Awareness Month​​ 2025

Every April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month brings attention to a condition that affects nearly one million Americans and more than 10 million people worldwide. In 2025, the focus on Parkinson’s disease (PD) is both urgent and hopeful.

Thanks to years of research and awareness efforts, new discoveries are changing what’s possible for people with Parkinson’s, including earlier detection and targeted care to improve quality of life.

With the recent discovery of a biomarker (signal in the body, like a protein or chemical) for PD, researchers can now detect signs of the disease even before symptoms appear.

This groundbreaking development represents a significant step forward in understanding how Parkinson’s develops and how to stop its progression.

“I am deeply moved by this breakthrough and endlessly grateful to everyone who has endeavored to bring us this far.”

— Michael J. Fox, actor living with Parkinson’s disease

Awareness, funding, and early detection efforts are more important than ever. With continued support, the momentum behind research can transform the future for those affected by Parkinson’s.

10 Parkinson’s Disease Facts

1. Nearly 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s disease today.
2. That number is projected to reach 1.2 million by 2030.
3. An estimated 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. — a 50% increase over previous estimates.
4. More than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease.
5. Men are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with PD than women.
6. Roughly 4% of people with PD are diagnosed before age 50.
7. Scientists believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors causes PD.
8. Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s.
9. U.S. regions with higher PD rates include: Central Pennsylvania, Florida, Southeastern Texas, Southern California, and the “Rust Belt” (Midwestern and Northwestern industrial areas).
10. On average, medications for PD cost $2,500 per year, and some surgeries can cost up to $100,000.

How to Get Involved During Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month​

This April, the Parkinson’s Foundation introduced PAM — a digital guide sharing facts, tips, and resources throughout Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

The campaign aims to help more families recognize early signs of Parkinson’s and access reliable support and information.

You can take part in Parkinson’s Awareness Month by:

1. Telling your story or encouraging a loved one to share theirs using #MyPDStory on social media
2. Sharing PAM’s weekly videos on early symptoms, disease stages, and management tips — Find PAM’s video series here
3. Learning the early signs of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, sleep issues, and changes in movement or speech
4. Using the 2025 Awareness Toolkit from the Parkinson’s Foundation to spread the word in your community

Awareness leads to earlier diagnoses, better care, and stronger support for people living with Parkinson’s, especially those in long-term care settings who may not always have a voice.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and Its Progression

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that mainly affects how a person moves. It happens when certain nerve cells in the brain stop working properly.

These cells normally control movement by producing a chemical called dopamine. As the brain loses dopamine, people begin to experience symptoms.

In the beginning, symptoms may be so mild that they go unnoticed. Over time, Parkinson’s symptoms usually worsen, affecting both sides of the body.

Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

• Tremors in the hands, feet, jaw, or fingers
• Slowed movement, making it harder to walk, get dressed, or stand up
• Muscle stiffness that can cause pain or make movement difficult
• Balance problems and a higher risk of falling
• Reduced facial expressions, speech changes, and small handwriting
• Non-movement symptoms like trouble sleeping, constipation, memory problems, anxiety, and depression

Although there is no cure, Parkinson’s symptoms can often be managed with medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Many early-stage patients respond well to treatment but need more care as the disease worsens.

Parkinson’s looks different for everyone. Some people live independently for years, while others may eventually need help with daily tasks.

Understanding how the disease develops can help families plan ahead and advocate for the right kind of care, especially in nursing homes, where safe and respectful support is essential.

Living With Parkinson’s in a Nursing Home Setting

As Parkinson’s progresses, many people eventually need full-time care. This is especially true for those experiencing advanced symptoms like frequent falls, memory problems, or difficulty eating and speaking. In these cases, families often turn to nursing homes for support.

Living in a nursing home can help ensure that a person with Parkinson’s gets help with daily tasks, medication, and safety. However, not all facilities are prepared to meet the complex needs of someone living with the condition.

Missed doses and other medication errors, untreated symptoms, and a lack of mobility support can lead to serious complications.

Supporting Nursing Home Residents Year-Round

At the Nursing Home Abuse Center, we are dedicated to advocating for the safety and dignity of all nursing home residents.

Nursing home neglect and abuse can be deadly for residents with conditions like Parkinson’s. Families deserve to know their loved one is in good hands, especially when they’re living with a condition that requires specialized care.

If you’re concerned about the care your loved one is receiving, our team is here to listen and help you understand your legal options.

Call (855) 264-6310 right now or get a free case review to find out if you may be eligible to take legal action — and get the financial support needed to secure better care.