11th April is observed as World Parkinson’s Day, a day to raise awareness, and educate people about Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder.

The World Parkinson’s Day also marks the birthday of James Parkinson, an English surgeon who recognized this medical condition in an Essay on the Shaking Palsy. Parkinson’s disease awareness, it is a red tulip. This red tulip was developed by J.W.S. Van der Wereld, a Dutch horticulturist who had Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. Parkinson’s symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking.

Stage One

Individuals experience mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with daily activities. Tremor and other movement symptoms occur on one side of the body only. They may also experience changes in posture, walking and facial expressions.

Stage Two

Symptoms worsen, including tremor, rigidity and other movement symptoms on both sides of the body. The person is still able to live alone, but daily tasks are more difficult and lengthier.

Stage Three

This is considered mid-stage. Individuals experience loss of balance and slowness of movements. While still fully independent, these symptoms significantly impair activities such as dressing and eating. Falls are also more common by stage three.

Stage Four

Symptoms are severe and limiting. Individuals may stand without help, but movement likely requires a walker. People in stage four require help with daily activities and are unable to live alone.

Stage Five

Stiffness in the legs may make it impossible to stand or walk. The person requires a wheelchair or is bedridden. Around-the-clock nursing care is needed for all activities. The person may experience hallucinations and delusions.

Here some of the motor symptoms someone with Parkinson’s’ can expect:

• Tremors in hands
• Difficulty while walking
• Stiffness in movement
• Less to no facial expression
• Not swinging of the arms while walking

Here some of the non-motor symptoms someone with Parkinson’s’ can expect:

• Memory disorder
• Depression
• Impaired Vision

No specific test exists to diagnose Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, but medications and exercise can help control your symptoms, often dramatically. In some more advanced cases, surgery may be advised.