Parkinson's Awareness Month: Empowering communities through education and support

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, MARCH 12, 2025 – April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, and the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) will commemorate the month with a “Did You Know?” campaign that will educate the public about Parkinson’s disease (PD) – highlighting everything from statistics and symptoms to personal stories and ways to get involved – while also helping those affected by PD feel empowered with the resources and support they need.

Through a nationwide network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, APDA works every day to provide the support, education, and research that will help everyone impacted by PD live life to the fullest. The APDA Missouri Chapter supports people living with PD throughout Missouri, Southern Illinois, and beyond, as well as their care partners and loved ones, by helping them assemble the resources, support, and medical expertise they need to feel more empowered, connected, and optimistic.

Throughout Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month (and always), the APDA Missouri Chapter has a variety of free programs and events planned, with many ways for people to get involved, including 60+ weekly exercise classes, 30+ monthly support groups, and ongoing education and wellness programs. The Chapter will conclude the month with its 8th annual Midwest Parkinson’s Conference in Manchester, MO on May 1. The conference brings together 500+ people with PD, care partners, physicians, and more. Additionally, throughout the month, APDA will share educational information and resources on all APDA social media channels using #DidYouKnow.

With approximately one million people living with PD in the United States – over 20,000 of which are in Missouri and Southern Illinois – and 90,000 new diagnoses every year, it is critical to engage, inform, and support the PD community and raise public awareness about the disease. Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on this issue.

“With a new diagnosis every six minutes, nearly 7,200 people in this country will learn they have PD in April alone,” states Beth Elders, Executive Director, APDA Missouri Chapter. “Here in Missouri and Southern Illinois, we are the boots on the ground. From support groups and exercise classes to educational events and access to PD experts, the APDA Missouri Chapter is here for every member of our local PD community, working tirelessly to help make their journey more positive.”

Beyond Missouri and Southern Illinois, APDA offers extensive virtual programming and a robust resource library – with many resources available in Spanish and Mandarin/Simplified Chinese – to ensure that all members of the PD community have access to high-quality information and services no matter where they live and to help them to feel connected to the community even from a distance. From popular webinar series like Dr. Gilbert Hosts, Unlocking Strength Within, and Let’s Keep Moving with APDA to a variety of virtual exercise and movement classes, there is something for everyone.

Support from the public is crucial, and Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month is an especially meaningful time to take action to help those coping with this progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder. People can support by raising awareness of PD and/or by making a donation that will enable APDA to continue their critical work and fund research that will lead to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Every effort makes a difference.

The APDA Missouri Chapter offers a wide range of Parkinson’s disease programs, resources, education, and support. To learn more, visit www.apdaparkinson.org/mo, email apdamo@apdaparkinson.org or call 636-778-3376.