April Is Parkinson’s Awareness Month
April 15, 2025
This month, we recognize family caregivers who support those living with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it reshapes the lives of those who care for them. If you’re caring for someone with Parkinson’s, Family Caregiver Alliance is here to support you with resources, community and practical tools for every stage of your caregiving journey.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects how a person moves, speaks and sometimes thinks. At first, someone with Parkinson’s might have a small tremor in one hand, or their face might seem less expressive. Over time, the symptoms can affect walking, balance, speech, memory and more.
Parkinson’s looks different in every person; some people live with mild symptoms for many years, while others may notice changes more quickly. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
What Causes Parkinson’s?
Doctors and researchers aren’t certain what causes Parkinson’s, but they believe several factors may play a role:
- Age: Most people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are over 60, and risk increases with age.
- Environmental exposures: Long-term contact with certain chemicals or toxins (like pesticides or heavy metals) may raise the risk.
- Genetics: Surprisingly, Parkinson’s is not usually inherited. Less than 20% of cases are related to a gene linked to Parkinson’s.
Resources for Caregivers
Organizations like Family Caregiver Alliance offer information, tools and support for caregivers and people living with Parkinson’s:
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)
Our Parkinson’s Disease resource page is full of helpful articles, videos and more to help you understand and cope with this disease. For more in-depth detail about the stages of Parkinson’s, what to expect and how to prepare, watch Parkinson’s Disease: You’re Not Alone.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
800-352-9424 (toll-free)
braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
www.ninds.nih.gov
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
800-708-7644 (toll-free)
www.michaeljfox.org
Parkinson’s Foundation
800-473-4636 (toll-free)
helpline@parkinson.org
www.parkinson.org
California Caregiver Resource Centers
www.caregivercalifornia.org/find-your-local-center