Parkinson’s Awareness Month happens every year during the month of April. It’s a time for us to think about this cognitive disease, how it affects us, and what we can do about it.

As a home health care agency, we here at Assisting Hands in West Austin strive to help all of our patients to lead the best lives possible, and we can assist you or your loved one battling this disease.

Who started Parkinson’s Awareness Month?

The Parkinson’s Foundation began this push for awareness back in 1983.

Why is Parkinson’s awareness important?

Around 1 million people in the United States live with Parkinson’s disease. That number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. Around 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every year.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

It is a nervous system disorder that affects someone’s muscular control. There is no specific cause and no known cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Early signs and symptoms include:

• Shaking/tremors in hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Slowed movement.
• Rigid muscles.
• Impaired posture or balance.
• Chances in writing or speech.

How can I get involved in Parkinson’s Awareness Month?

The Parkinson’s Foundation has a handy guide for getting involved in your local community.

• Post to social media using the hashtag #FutureofPD during the month of April through your chosen network.
• Talk about your stories of PD, either as a caregiver of a loved one or as someone enduring the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Encourage others to share their stories.
• Email people on your list to encourage them to talk about Parkinson’s disease.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
• Post a blog on your website.
• Volunteer with an organization or chapter devoted to Parkinson’s disease or diseases related to neuro-muscular decline.
• Donate to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

For people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, they can help by:

• Participating in research.
• Getting the right care regimen and care team, including in-home care.
• Seeking help from the right sources, like the resources of Parkinson’s Foundation.

How can in-home care and home health services help with Parkinson’s disease?

No one should navigate Parkinson’s disease alone. Home health and in-home care services can help someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s and provide a respite for full-time family caregivers.

Contact Assisting Hands West Austin today at 512-999-7379, or chat with us in the box on our website for more information about our services.