World Parkinson’s Day

World Parkinson’s Day 2026.

Beyond the Tremor: Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

World Parkinson’s Day is a yearly international awareness day that spots light on Parkinson’s disease, supports people living with it, and calls for better care and healthcare systems.

In 1817, James Parkinson published his ‘Essay on the Shaking Palsy’, recognizing Parkinson’s as a medical condition for the first time. We mark his birthday every 11 April with World Parkinson’s Day.

It’s time to come together, raise awareness, and build connections. World Parkinson’s Day is a day for you, the Parkinson’s community.

2026 Campaign key message is to “bridge the care gap”, highlighting that many people with Parkinson’s and their families must still search for and coordinate essential care themselves instead of receiving structured, accessible support from the healthcare system.

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease typically develop gradually over many years. The progression and severity vary among individuals due to the diverse nature of the condition. People living with Parkinson’s disease may experience “motor” symptoms and “Non-motor” symptoms:

Motor symptoms:

Pan American Health Organization spots light on mother and child health on 2025 health day. As they focus on:

Tremors, most commonly occurring at rest and often described as a “pill-rolling” movement of the hands, although other types of tremors can occur.

Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and reduced spontaneous movement (hypokinesia).

Muscle stiffness or rigidity in the limbs and trunk.

Difficulties with gait, posture, and balance, known as postural instability.

Non-motor symptoms:

These can significantly affect quality of life and, in many cases, may be more disabling than motor symptoms. Common non-motor manifestations include: depression, anxiety, apathy, hallucinations, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, sleep disturbances, loss of the sense of smell, and various cognitive impairments.

What causes the loss of nerve cells in PD?

Cause:

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease remains unknown. However, it is primarily associated with the progressive loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. Current evidence suggests that the condition results from a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental influences.

Risk Factors:

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

Age: Risk increases significantly after the age of 60.

Genetics: Certain gene mutations may increase susceptibility.

Family History: Having a close relative with Parkinson’s slightly raises the risk.

Gender: Men are more likely to develop the disease than women.

Modifiable and Environmental Risk Factors:

Exposure to pesticides and herbicides

Industrial and traffic-related pollution

Toxin exposure in certain occupational settings

Rural living and well-water consumption

Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease:

There is no single test that can definitively diagnose Parkinson’s disease. Instead, diagnosis is based on a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and a thorough physical and neurological examination. General practitioners (GPs) assess movement, coordination, and cognitive function, though confirming the condition in its early stages can be challenging due to mild symptoms.

If Parkinson’s disease is suspected, patients are referred to specialists such as a neurologist or geriatrician for further evaluation. These experts conduct detailed assessments, including physical exercises to evaluate movement and balance. In some cases, specialized imaging tests, such as a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scan, may be used to rule out other conditions and support the diagnosis.

Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. In the early stages, treatment may not be necessary, though regular monitoring by specialists is essential. Management typically includes medications, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery.

Supportive therapies—such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and dietary guidance—play a crucial role in improving mobility, communication, and independence. Medications, including levodopa, dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors, help control motor symptoms by increasing or mimicking dopamine levels in the brain. Advanced stages may require device-assisted therapies or continuous drug delivery systems.

For selected patients, surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help alleviate symptoms when medications are less effective. A personalized care plan, developed with healthcare professionals and caregivers, ensures comprehensive and ongoing support throughout the course of the disease.

Exablate Neuro: A Non-Invasive Approach to Tremor Relief

This revolutionary procedure uses non-invasive MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) technology to precisely target the tremor-causing area in your brain, the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus. Unlike traditional surgery, Exablate Neuro requires no scalpels or incisions.

Benefits of Exablate Neuro at UAE:

Non-invasive: No need for surgery, minimizing risks and recovery time.

MRI-guided: Real-time imaging ensures accurate targeting for optimal results.

Awake and Responsive: You’ll be awake and collaborating with your doctor throughout the procedure.

Real-time Feedback: Physicians can monitor treatment progress and adjust as needed.

Fast Recovery: Many patients go home the same day and experience quicker symptom improvement.

Second Opinion Service Statement

At the THK We help patients gain clarity and confidence through expert second medical opinions, ensuring accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

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