April 1, 2024 Perspective

Supporting the Community During Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Beyond

During Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April, on World Parkinson’s Day, April 11, and throughout the year, we at Acadia are working to build awareness, to provide education and resources to understand Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its non-motor symptoms, and to help patients find the right treatment.

Did you know that every 6 minutes, someone will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s? That means every year nearly 90,000 people – and the people who love and care for them – will learn they have the second most-common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S.

In addition to receiving what is already a challenging diagnosis for themselves and their loved ones, around 50% of people living with this devastating condition may experience Parkinson’s disease-related hallucinations and/or delusions, or Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis (PDP). These symptoms can be especially burdensome and difficult to talk about.

Whether in person or virtually, we will be helping to raise awareness about these symptoms of Parkinson’s while supporting the community and participating in Parkinson’s disease awareness events all month long, including:

  • Step by Step 5K with the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego
  • Parkinson’s Unity Expo & Walk with the Michael J. Fox Foundation in New York City
  • Educational content published from our Acadia social media channels as part of Parkinson’s Foundation #ABCs of PD
  • Lighting up Acadia’s offices blue for World Parkinson’s Day

We are committed to this community of patients, care partners and healthcare providers – to the science and medicine that can change their lives, and more than that, to championing the people beyond their disease through resources and actions that matter.

Educational programs and content like More to Parkinson’s that provide clear information to support people in making informed healthcare decisions. This Acadia-sponsored website features critical information and personal stories about Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP) and tools to support patients and caregivers in their healthcare journey. Visitors can learn more about disease-related hallucinations and delusions, build a customized discussion guide for doctor’s visits, and connect with additional resources in the Parkinson’s community.

Opportunities to share personal stories and experiences through Yours, Truly that give a voice to people with Parkinson’s and their care partners for an essential message – you are not alone. Started as a collaboration between Acadia and StoryCorps, the site features personal and diverse stories from across the Parkinson’s community in English and Spanish, stories of resilience and support about loved ones living with Parkinson’s, including non-motor symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Visitors to the site are encouraged to share their own stories.

At Acadia, we are committed to this community of patients, care partners and healthcare providers – to the science and medicine that can change their lives, and more than that, to championing the people beyond their disease through resources and actions that matter.

Last Updated: April 1, 2024