Parkinson’s disease is becoming a bigger health problem worldwide. By 2050, over 25 million people could have this brain disorder that affects movement. This big increase is mostly because people are living longer.
Governments and health organizations are starting to pay more attention to Parkinson’s. They want to help patients and their families deal with the challenges of this disease.
One important step is creating registries to track Parkinson’s cases. These databases help researchers understand patterns and find better treatments. In 2025, Kentucky became the 15th U.S. state to set up a Parkinson’s registry. More states may follow this example.
Another key area is funding research. The U.S. government is putting money into studying Parkinson’s. For example, the Michael J. Fox Foundation got $1 million to test if a special device could help with walking and balance problems in Parkinson’s patients. The Department of Defense is also supporting research on blood pressure issues in Parkinson’s.
Some states are making new laws to help Parkinson’s patients. In Florida, a bill was introduced to create a Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund. This would give $25 million for research and support programs. It would also make health insurance cover tests for early signs of Parkinson’s.
Public awareness is crucial too. The Parkinson’s Foundation launched a campaign called “Meet PAM” to educate people about the disease. PAM stands for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which happens every April.
As Parkinson’s becomes more common, we’ll likely see more policies to address it. This might include more funding for research, better healthcare access, and support for caregivers. It’s important for people to stay informed about these changes and speak up about what Parkinson’s patients and families need.
In the future, we might see new treatments thanks to ongoing research. But for now, the focus is on improving care, supporting research, and raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease.