World Parkinson's Day

World Parkinson's Day was marked for the first time on April 11, 1997, on the birthday of the English physician James Parkinson (1755 - 1824) who first described the then unknown disease in 1817. The goal of celebrating this day is to raise awareness and knowledge about the causes, symptoms and treatment options. Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system in which cells that secrete dopamine die.

One of the first symptoms is tremors, which are present at rest, disappear during sleep, decrease when moving, and increase during emotional excitement and exertion. The disease significantly reduces the quality of life of the affected person and affects the family and the entire community. Modern possibilities for early diagnosis and early treatment have significantly extended the working ability and independent life of patients.

A red and white tulip is considered a symbol of Parkinson's disease. It was grown by the Dutch horticulturist Van der Wereld, who had Parkinson's disease, and named it after James Parkinson. The red tulip is a symbol of support for people living with this disease and their families.

(Željka Šaravanja)