Parkinson's Awareness Month 2026 - Memory & Movement Charlotte

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month

Every six minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease – nearly 90,000 new cases each year – and a projected 1.2 million people will be living with the condition by 2030.

The purpose of World Parkinson’s Day and Parkinson’s Awareness Month is to make sure more people know about Parkinson’s and support care for current patients as well as research that will one day lead to a cure. Every day we’re inspired by the resiliency of patients of all ages living with Parkinson’s.

Why April?
James Parkinson was the London physician who first described “the Shaking Palsy” in 1817. In 1997, The World Health Organization declared his birthday, April 11, to be World Parkinson’s Day and the entire month is Awareness Month.

Why Tulips?
In 1980 a Dutch horticulturalist with Parkinson’s disease developed a red and white tulip to honor Dr. Parkinson. At the 9^th World Parkinson’s Disease Day Conference in 2005, his tulip was launched as the official symbol of the condition.

Why the Spark?

The spark is the international symbol for Parkinson's awareness. It is inspired by the electrochemical neurotransmitter, dopamine, which is key to motor function, mood and decision making. It is critical for people with Parkinson’s to retain it – and devastating when depleted.

We are reclaiming the spark as our source of energy and inspiration. We’re asking all those impacted by this disease to share their spark and join us in standing up so we can end this disease.

Get Involved!

Just for April Parkinson’s Playlist Edition! (1)

Just for April Parkinson’s Playlist Edition!

Website ENews Promotional April 2026 4.3.2026 (1)

Just for April Parkinson’s Playlist Edition! (3)

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Community Bulletin Board

email for info mycaretotakecare@gmail.com Principal Investigator Dr. Bhibha Das dasb@ecu.edu

From the Blog

Rounding Out

Lilah Monday’s bat mitzvah celebrates an important coming-of-age milestone – and also the legacy of her grandmother.

Full Circle

There are moments in Memory & Movement Charlotte’s history that feel deeply personal. Adding neurologist Ajay Sethi, MD to the team is the latest one.

Parkinson’s Support Group

At MMC, our best programs come straight from you. Over the past year, many patients have shared how helpful it would be to have a place to meet others living with Parkinson’s – we heard you!

Steve and Alivia in 2011, one year after Steve's diagnosis

Finding Poetry

Steve never thought he’d be a poet. Until a 2010 diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

The “Pedal Posse” Takes Charge!

A new spin class supports people living with Parkinson’s disease

Pumped!

There are many effective medications to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease but there’s a catch – you have to take them, often on a demanding schedule.
Until now. Two tried-and-true drugs are newly available in a continuous pump. And MMC patients are among the first in the nation to use them.

Meet the Board: Camille Salisbury

When Camille Salisbury joined the MMC Board of Directors she needed little introduction. In the local Parkinson’s world especially, she’s a legend.

MMC Patient Among the First to Receive New Dopamine Pump

Our brains naturally release dopamine all day in a very steady stream, and this pump recreates that consistent, around-the-clock release the way nature intended.

Living with Parkinson’s – and Superheroes

“You can’t be afraid to take on something that requires the motor skills you think you’re losing – there may be limits, but I can decide where they are.”