World Parkinson’s Day 2027

When is World Parkinson’s Day?

World Parkinson’s Day takes place on 11 April every year. The date marks the birthday of Dr James Parkinson, the London-born physician who first described the condition in his landmark 1817 publication, An Essay on the Shaking Palsy. In 2026, World Parkinson’s Day fell on a Saturday.

How to Get Involved

• Learn about Parkinson’s and share reliable information with friends, family and colleagues to help improve public understanding.
• Attend or organise an event such as a fundraiser, awareness walk, webinar or community talk. Many Parkinson’s charities run programmes throughout April.
• Donate or fundraise to support research into new treatments, as well as services that help people with Parkinson’s live well, including physiotherapy, exercise classes and mental health support.
• Wear a red tulip or share the symbol on social media to show your support for the Parkinson’s community.
• Support someone you know who is living with Parkinson’s. A simple check-in, a listening ear or practical help can make a meaningful difference.
• Share your story if you or someone you care about is affected by Parkinson’s. Personal stories help to break down stigma and inspire others.

#WorldParkinsonsDay #Parkinsons #ParkinsonsDisease #ParkinsonsAwareness #RedTulip

Why World Parkinson’s Day Matters

Living with Parkinson’s is different for everyone. Each person has their own set of symptoms and responds differently to treatment. Some people find that exercise, physiotherapy and medication help them to manage their symptoms effectively for many years, whilst others face more rapid progression. The psychological impact of diagnosis can be significant, and many people benefit from the support of specialist nurses, occupational therapists and peer support groups.

World Parkinson’s Day plays an important role in highlighting the lived experience of people with the condition, challenging misconceptions and advocating for better access to treatment and support services worldwide.

History of World Parkinson’s Day

The first World Parkinson’s Day was held on 11 April 1997, established by the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA) with co-sponsorship from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The date was chosen to honour Dr James Parkinson (1755-1824), whose essay was the first medical publication to clearly describe the symptoms of the condition that now bears his name.

In 2005, at the 9th World Parkinson’s Disease Day Conference, the red tulip was officially adopted as the worldwide symbol of Parkinson’s disease. The tulip was originally cultivated by J.W.S. Van der Wereld, a Dutch horticulturist who himself had Parkinson’s. He named the variety “Dr James Parkinson” in honour of the physician, and it has since become a powerful emblem of hope and solidarity.

Campaign information and resources

For current campaign information and participation details, see World Parkinson’s Day | Parkinson’s UK. Check the source’s edition and publication date before reusing a theme, statistic or fundraising instruction.