Township Committee Declared April as National Parkinson's Awareness Month

At the April 28th meeting, the Township Committee declared April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month.  Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic, progressive, neurological disease and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the  United States. It is currently estimated to affect approximately one million people in the United States and the prevalence will more than double by 2040. 

“The Township Committee urges residents to support the search for a cure and assist those individuals and families who deal with this devastating illness on a daily basis,” said Mayor Doug Tomson. 

Research suggests that the cause of Parkinson’s disease is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause and progression of the disease is still unknown. There is no objective test or biomarker for Parkinson’s disease, and there is no cure or drug to slow or halt the progression of the disease. 

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person and can include tremors, slowness of movement and rigidity, difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing, and speaking, cognitive impairment, dementia, mood disorders and a variety of other non-motor symptoms.  

The Hillsborough Rock Steady Boxing affiliate opened in March 2017 and helps those with Parkinson’s to improve their function and quality of life through boxing inspired fitness programs. The mission of Rock Steady Boxing is to empower people with Parkinson’s disease to fight back. 

Increased research, education and community support services such as those provided by the Parkinson’s Foundation and other organizations are needed to find more effective treatments and to provide access to quality care to those living with the disease today.