Statement From New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald On Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 15, 2024) – "In observance of Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in April, I encourage all New Yorkers to learn more about this disease, which is referred to as a movement disorder because it can cause tremors, slowness, stiffness, and problems with balance and walking.

Living with Parkinson's disease carries a number of possible additional challenges, such as depression and constipation, as well as memory impairment that can be complicated by various types of dementia, including Parkinson's disease dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies.

Those experiences can vary widely from one person to the next, but because Parkinson's disease is a lifelong and progressive disease, symptoms will slowly worsen over time, so it is critical that individuals experiencing movement difficulties speak with a health care provider who can make a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment to improve quality of life and slow or potentially stop the disease from progressing.

While the exact cause of Parkinson's disease cannot be pinpointed, researchers believe it is the result of a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Exposure to pesticides and head injuries are associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, but rarely is there a clear path that identifies the exact cause. We do know, however, that age is the greatest risk factor, with 60 being the average age at diagnosis.

Many well-known Americans including Mohammed Ali, Alan Alda and former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and when actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed in 1991, he used his celebrity status to empower individuals with Parkinson's disease. The subsequent launch of the Michael J. Fox Foundation brought increased attention to this life-changing disease as well as improved funding and expanded research, which I hope brings some measure of hope to the individuals living with Parkinson's disease, and their loved ones."