About Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2026

What is Parkinson’s Awareness Week?

Parkinson’s Awareness Week is an annual campaign that shines a spotlight on Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, mood and many aspects of daily life. The week brings together charities, healthcare professionals, researchers, people living with Parkinson’s and their families to raise awareness, share information and fundraise for vital support services and research.

As there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, awareness campaigns like this are essential for ensuring that people living with the condition receive timely diagnoses, appropriate treatment and the support they need to maintain their quality of life.

When is Parkinson’s Awareness Week?

Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2026 runs from Tuesday 7 April to Monday 13 April, with World Parkinson’s Day falling on Saturday 11 April during the week. The week is organised to coincide with World Parkinson’s Day, which is observed internationally on 11 April every year to mark the birthday of Dr James Parkinson, the London physician who first described the condition in 1817.

Why Parkinson’s Awareness Week Matters

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Over 10 million people globally are estimated to be living with the disease, and that number is projected to reach 25 million by 2050 as populations age. Men are approximately 1.5 times more likely than women to develop Parkinson’s, though it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background.

The condition is caused by a loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which leads to a reduction in the chemical dopamine. This reduction in dopamine is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, including tremor, slowness of movement, rigidity and balance problems. However, Parkinson’s is far more than a movement disorder. Many people also experience non-motor symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, fatigue and cognitive changes.

Up to 50% of people with Parkinson’s will experience anxiety or depression at some point during their illness. These mental health conditions are often overlooked and underdiagnosed, yet when left untreated they can worsen physical symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, sleep problems and pain, significantly reducing quality of life.

Parkinson’s Awareness Week provides a platform to highlight these often-hidden aspects of the condition and to encourage people to seek help and support.

History of Parkinson’s Awareness Week

Parkinson’s Awareness Week has been observed for many years, primarily driven by charities such as Parkinson’s Care and Support UK and Parkinson’s UK. The week grew out of the broader movement around World Parkinson’s Day, which was established in 1997 by the European Parkinson’s Disease Association with co-sponsorship from the World Health Organisation. The red tulip, adopted as the official symbol of Parkinson’s disease during the 9th World Parkinson’s Disease Day Conference in 2005, has become a widely recognised emblem of the awareness campaign.

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to support Parkinson’s Awareness Week and make a difference:

• Learn about Parkinson’s and share what you discover with friends, family and colleagues to help improve understanding of the condition.
• Attend events organised by Parkinson’s charities during the week, including talks, exercise classes, support group meetings and fundraising activities.
• Donate or fundraise to support Parkinson’s research, respite care, exercise programmes and neurological physiotherapy. Organisations such as Parkinson’s Care and Support UK rely entirely on public donations.
• Wear something blue or grey, the colours associated with Parkinson’s awareness, and share a photo on social media.
• Check in on someone you know who is living with Parkinson’s or caring for someone with the condition. A simple conversation can make a real difference.
• Share on social media using the hashtags below to help spread the word and reach new audiences.

#ParkinsonsAwarenessWeek #WorldParkinsonsDay #Parkinsons #ParkinsonsDisease #ParkinsonsAwareness

Upcoming Awareness Days

2 AprNational Burrito Day

2 AprWorld Autism Acceptance Week 2026

2 AprWorld Autism Awareness Day 2026

2 AprNational Peanut Butter and Jelly Day 2026

2 AprInternational Children’s Book Day 2026

2 AprPassover (Pesach) 2026