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Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2026: The When

Today marks World Parkinson’s Day—a day not only to celebrate the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson, who is noted as the first person to describe the symptoms of Parkinson’s in a publication from 1817, but it’s also a day where Fight Parkinson’s is dedicated to continuing the awareness and education of Australians and the Parkinson’s community.

Please read on below to learn about the ‘When’ of Parkinson’s. 

The When

When do you get diagnosed?

The majority of Parkinson’s diagnoses occur in individuals over 60 years old.  However, approximately 1 in 10 people diagnosed, are younger than 45, which is referred to as Young-Onset Parkinson’s. 

When does it begin to develop?

Parkinson’s typically begins around age 60, but it can appear earlier in some cases, including before age 50, or even in childhood. Age is the most significant risk factor of Parkinson’s. and prevalence increases in older populations, affecting about 1% of people over 60. 

When will there be a cure?

Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s. Ongoing research aims to develop treatments that could potentially slow or stop the progression of the disease, but no definitive timeline for a cure has been established. 

 Fight Parkinson’s is committed to raising funds to advance research that will deliver effective therapies, treatments, and a cure and to empower our community to live full and active lives until a cure is found. Living with Parkinson’s as it progresses is a fight. Through our work, we fight to realise possibilities for people living with Parkinson’s. The foundation of Fight Parkinson’s lies in our collective choice to never give up. 


Keep an eye out throughout April to learn more about Parkinson’s and read a heartfelt personal story from one of our valued community members.


Download free Parkinson’s Awareness Month resources here.

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Please note: Fight Parkinson’s uses the phrase Parkinson’s rather than Parkinson’s Disease to reflect the community’s preference. Parkinson’s Disease is used only when necessary such as in medical, research or government contents, or in direct quotes.