Parkinson’s Awareness Month: Meet PAM

Every April, the global Parkinson’s community unites to raise awareness, share knowledge, and support those affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although treatment options exist, the cause of Parkinson’s remains largely unknown.

This year, the Parkinson’s Foundation’s campaign theme is “Meet PAM.” PAM — short for Parkinson’s Awareness Month — is a guide designed to spotlight key PD topics, answer common questions, and connect people with helpful resources.

The campaign’s goal is simple but powerful: to increase awareness, encourage earlier diagnosis, improve quality of life, and inspire more research and funding toward a cure.

Weekly Themes: What PAM Will Share

Throughout April, PAM will highlight weekly topics with videos, tips, and resources:

• Week 1: What should everyone know about Parkinson’s disease?
• Week 2: Could it be Parkinson’s? Recognizing early signs.
• Week 3: How do you manage PD symptoms?
• Week 4: What to expect as PD progresses.
• Week 5: The latest in Parkinson’s research.

👉 Watch the videos here: Parkinson’s Awareness Month Resources

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It occurs when nerve cells that produce dopamine — a chemical that helps regulate movement — die or stop functioning properly. As dopamine levels drop, movement and other body functions become impaired.

Common motor symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
• Muscle stiffness
• Balance and gait problems

Non-motor symptoms may appear years earlier and include:

• Sleep disorders (such as REM sleep behavior disorder)
• Depression or anxiety
• Autonomic issues (blood pressure, digestion)
• Vision problems
• Reduced sense of smell
• Difficulty planning or focusing

While Parkinson’s disease is not directly fatal, complications can be serious and life-altering.

Local and National Efforts

The Parkinson’s Foundation provides education, exercise classes, caregiver resources, and clinical trial opportunities. By entering your ZIP code on their website, you can connect with your closest chapter for local programs.

In California, the Parkinson’s Disease Registry tracks incidence and prevalence, helping researchers understand how the disease affects different populations. These efforts can uncover patterns and lead to new insights into Parkinson’s risk factors and treatment.

Parkinson’s by the Numbers

• Nearly 1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease.
• About 600,000 people are newly diagnosed each year.
• Men are 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women.
• The economic impact is estimated at $52 billion annually, including medical costs, lost income, and Social Security payments.
• Medications average $2,500 per year, while therapeutic surgeries can cost more than $100,000.

Despite decades of research, the last major prevalence study was in 1978 — highlighting the urgent need for updated data.

The Future of Parkinson’s Research

Researchers are working to identify biomarkers that will allow earlier detection and more personalized treatment. While current therapies manage symptoms, none yet slow or stop disease progression. The variability of PD and common comorbidities make progress challenging, but advances in diagnostics, such as biomarker studies and imaging, are creating hope for earlier and more effective interventions.

Join the Conversation

On social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, the campaign hashtag #MeetPAMis helping to spread awareness. By sharing stories, resources, and conversations, families and communities can help educate others, reduce stigma, and encourage more support for Parkinson’s research and care.

How We Can Help

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, planning ahead is essential. Our office can help you:

• Put legal documents in place to manage care and financial decisions.
• Plan for long-term care options.
• Protect your assets while ensuring access to needed medical benefits.

We would be honored to meet with you in a confidential setting to discuss your needs.

📞 Call us at (207) 848-5600 or visit our [contact page] to schedule a consultation.

✨ This April, meet PAM — and join the movement to raise awareness, support research, and improve lives for everyone affected by Parkinson’s disease.