TORONTO, ON (April 2, 2024) – Parkinson’s is a lifelong, incurable brain disease and no two experiences are alike. Each year, the month of April is dedicated to bringing awareness to Parkinson’s. In Canada alone, more than 100,000 people live with Parkinson’s. Parkinson Canada wants you to know that, despite the challenges that can come with each stage of the journey, living well with Parkinson’s is still possible.
The reality for people who face a Parkinson’s diagnosis is that many aspects of their lives will be disrupted, including relationships, work, sleep, activity, mental health and more. Parkinson’s not only impacts individuals, but also families, friends and care partners who come together to help manage the realities of the disease.
However, people living with Parkinson’s can learn to live well, often for many years after a diagnosis. For every challenge that comes while living with Parkinson’s, people can often find new perspective, patience and opportunities they didn’t know were possible. But to truly live well with Parkinson’s, it’s important to:
- Get support with managing symptoms through medication, speech and physical therapy
- Develop coping strategies and support mental health by accessing counselling and support groups
- Incorporate exercise and wellness supports to stay active and connected to others
“Parkinson’s is on the rise in Canada, and to meet this growing need, Parkinson Canada offers education, resources and support groups from coast to coast to coast,” says Dr. Karen Lee, President and CEO, Parkinson Canada. “Parkinson Canada invests in innovative research that will unlock new discoveries when it comes to Parkinson’s diagnoses and treatments. We also raise the voices of people affected by Parkinson’s by sharing their stories and through our advocacy efforts.”
On April 11, 2024, World Parkinson’s Day, Parkinson Canada will be hosting a public event in Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto from 1-3p.m. EST, featuring dancing, a sit-to-stand challenge, and the public release of a new song by Martha and Company (Martha Johnson, of Martha and the Muffins). The song was written and recorded by Martha, who lives with Parkinson’s, and several people living with Parkinson’s disease.
During Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Parkinson Canada will be celebrating stories of resilience and sharing the challenges of living with Parkinson’s. Get involved at www.parkinson.ca/PAM. Share your support on social media and tag Parkinson Canada on Facebook, X and Instagram.
For more information, please contact:
Amanda Carvalho
Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Amanda.carvalho@parkinson.ca
1-800-565-3000
About Parkinson Canada
At Parkinson Canada, people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do. We empower the Parkinson’s community through tailored programs, innovative research and raising the voice of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s. A national registered charity, Parkinson Canada fulfils its mission through the generosity of donors and is an accredited organization under the Imagine Canada Standards Program.
Please visit parkinson.ca, call 1-800-565-3000 or email info@parkinson.ca in English or French for more information, to get involved or to support Canadians affected by Parkinson’s by making a donation.
Join the conversation, find Parkinson Canada on Facebook, X and Instagram.