Today is World Parkinson’s Day 2025
Every April 11th, since 1997, World Parkinson's Day is celebrated to raise awareness about this currently incurable neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a degenerative, chronic, and progressive disease that affects the nervous system and is characterized by causing severe neurological damage, leading to alterations in the control and coordination of body movements, as well as muscle rigidity.
This year, Parkinson Europe (the organization behind World Parkinson’s Day) focuses on telling us the story of why the red tulip has become the official symbol of Parkinson’s worldwide.
The Red Tulip
This story takes us back to 1980 when Dutch horticulturist JWS Van der Wereld (who had Parkinson’s) developed a red and white variant of the tulip. He named it the Dr. James Parkinson tulip in honor of the English doctor who first wrote about this condition in his 1817 publication, “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” Since 2005, many organizations have adopted the tulip symbol as the image of their organizations. It is a good example to explain the disease, as a neglected tulip will soon start to bend and wither, but if cared for, it will last longer in good condition. Similarly, a Parkinson’s patient who takes care of themselves, takes their medication, and exercises can maintain their health longer.
Actúa contra el Parkinson
This year, from ACHUCARRO, and in collaboration with a person from Valladolid who is conducting a very intense campaign, we have collaborated with the “Act Against Parkinson’s” campaign.
In addition to receiving donations from individuals and companies, the proceeds from the play “La Venganza de Don Mendo,” which was performed at Sala Borja (Valladolid) on April 10th, will go to a collaborative research project at our center, involving the teams led by Nora Bengoa-Vergniory and Fabio Cavaliere.
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