April 11 is World Parkinson's Day
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| The Parkinson Tulip |
" World Parkinson''s Day is observed every year on April 11, marking
the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson, the English physician who first
described the symptoms of the disease in his work titled, An Essay on the Shaking Palsy (1817).
This early description of Parkinson''s symptoms made
reference to: "involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened muscular
power, in parts not in action and even when supported; with a propensity
to bend the trunk forwards, and to pass from a walking to a running
pace: the sense and intellect being uninjured."
French neurologist Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot added rigidity to
the list of physical symptoms and attached the name Parkinson''s disease
to the syndrome, four decades later.
Today, researchers in Canada and around the world are
continuing to broaden the understanding of Parkinson''s as a progressive
brain disease that has mood and cognitive symptoms, such as depression,
attention difficulties and problems with verbal and non-verbal
communication, in addition to the better-known motor symptoms.
"Scientists are discovering that Parkinson''s disease is even more
complex than previously thought," says Joyce Gordon, President &
CEO, Parkinson Society Canada. "The more we can invest in Parkinson''s
research, the greater the likelihood of developing better treatments for
the disease and, ultimately, the greater hope for a cure."
Parkinson''s disease also has tremendous social and economic
impact on those diagnosed, as well as their family members and care
partners.
Since 1981, Parkinson Society Canada has funded approximately
$18 million in research grants. In 2010, Parkinson Society Canada
invested over $1.3 million and supported 30 projects through its
National Research Program.
Parkinson''s is a progressive brain disease for which there
is no cure. Over 100,000 Canadians and over 6 million people world-wide
have Parkinson''s. Since 1965, Parkinson Society Canada, with 10
regional partners and 240 chapters and support groups, has been
dedicated to providing support, education, research and advocacy on
behalf of Canadians with Parkinson''s.
For more information about Parkinson''s disease and the work
of Parkinson Society Canada, including funded research projects, visit www.parkinson.ca. "Parkinson Society Canada
The Parkinson Tulip
Parkinson's Disease
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