Parkinson’s: A growing disease hiding in plain sight
Pictured above are Larry and Anita Dust, Red Tulip Board Members and volunteers at an Indiana Parkison Foundation event held at The Picklr in 2025.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the fastest-growing neurological diseases in the world – yet one that remains widely misunderstood.
More than 1.1 million Americans are currently living with Parkinson’s disease, and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Those numbers are rising quickly, with projections showing continued growth in the decades ahead. Once considered primarily a condition of older adults, Parkinson’s is increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals, including those in their 40s and, in some cases, even earlier.
Despite its growing prevalence, awareness often lags behind.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, coordination and many non-motor skills. Over time, many aspects of daily life are impacted. As symptoms worsen, individuals may lose the ability to work, while family members often step into caregiving roles. The result is not only a personal health challenge, but a broader economic one.
In the United States, Parkinson’s disease carries an estimated annual cost exceeding $80 billion, including medical care, lost income and caregiver burden, with projections rising above $112 billion by 2045. Much of that cost is absorbed by federal programs, as approximately 90 percent of Americans with Parkinson’s rely on Medicare. Gaps in access to specialized care – such as movement disorder specialists – can lead to faster disease progression, increased disability and higher long-term costs.
Early recognition of symptoms is one of the most important steps in changing that trajectory.
However, nearly 40 percent of individuals with Parkinson’s do not recognize early warning signs. Many symptoms are subtle at first and can be mistaken for normal aging or unrelated conditions. That delay can mean missed opportunities for early intervention, when treatment, exercise and supportive therapies can make the greatest impact on quality of life.
Parkinson’s is not simply a part of aging. While age is a risk factor, less than 15 percent of cases are believed to be genetic, with growing evidence pointing to environmental influences as a contributing factor in many cases. Understanding those drivers – and how to prevent them – will require increased research, funding and public awareness.
April serves as a reminder that Parkinson’s is not a rare condition, and its impact extends far beyond those diagnosed. Greater awareness can lead to earlier recognition, earlier intervention and, ultimately, better outcomes.
The Red Tulip for Parkinson’s Awareness was founded by Boca Grande residents Anita and Larry Dust following Anita’s diagnosis. Centered around the Red Tulip – the universal symbol of Parkinson’s – the organization aims to raise awareness, increase funding, accelerate research and advance efforts toward prevention and a cure. More information, including resources and ways to get involved, is available at redtulipforparkinsons.org.
10 Early (and Surprising) Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
Watch for these early changes and talk with your healthcare provider if they persist:
1. Loss of smell, Difficulty detecting certain scents like bananas or pickles
2. Small handwriting (micrographia)
Noticeable reduction in handwriting size
3. Trouble sleeping: Acting out dreams or sudden movements during sleep
4. Trouble moving or walking
Stiffness, reduced arm swing, or feeling like feet are “stuck”
5. Tremors or shaking: Often in fingers, hands, chin or thumb at rest
6. Constipation: Persistent despite adequate diet and hydration
7. Soft or low voice: Speech becoming quieter, hoarse or less clear
8. Masked facial expression: A serious or blank look even when not upset
9. Dizziness or fainting: Frequent lightheadedness or fainting episodes
10. Stooping or hunching over, leaning forward when standing or walking
Note: One symptom alone may not indicate Parkinson’s, but multiple or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
