World Parkinson's Disease Day
Raising global awareness of this disease.
Published April 09, 2013

World Parkinson's Disease Day is celebrated on the 11th of April of every year. This day commemorates the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson, whose famous 1817 work, An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, first described "paralysis agitans," a condition that would later be renamed Parkinson's disease by Jean-Martin Charcot. This day continues to raise awareness and support of those affected by Parkinson's disease, to enhance the public's awareness of the disease including its causes, symptoms, and treatments, and to recognize the scientific and medical research communities working to find a cure for this disease.
The Academy is pleased to share with you a collection of the upcoming scientific research conferences in 2013 on Parkinson's disease, as well as videos, eBriefings, and Annals volumes on Parkinson's disease research.
![]() | EventSeventh Annual Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics ConferenceOctober 24, 2013 |
![]() | EventAccelerating Translational NeurotechnologySeptember 18–20, 2013 |
![]() | eBriefingTargeting Metals in Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative DiseasesResearchers investigating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases met at the Academy to discuss one such feature—the effect of metals in neurodegenerative diseases—and to highlight clinical achievements using metal-binding compounds to influence disease progression. |
![]() | AnnalsParkinson's Disease: The Life Cycle of the Dopamine NeuronThis volume focuses on the dopaminergic system from a developmental perspective, highlighting how dopaminergic neurons form, mature, and respond to genetic and environmental factors, and how they may be regenerated. |
![]() | eBriefingBiomarkers in Brain DiseaseNeurological and psychiatric conditions need good biomarkers—simple, accessible indices of complex biological phenomena. Explore how researchers are identifying and validating brain-based biomarkers for the treatment of neurological disorders. |
![]() | VideoMichael J. Fox Applauds Academy AudienceMichael J. Fox, actor, advocate and founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, thanked prominent Parkinson's researchers gathered at the Academy and encouraged them to continue their vital work towards a cure for Parkinson's. |
About the New York Academy of Sciences
The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science, technology, and society worldwide. With 25,000 members in 140 countries, the Academy is creating a global community of science for the benefit of humanity. The Academy's core mission is to advance scientific knowledge, positively impact the major global challenges of society with science-based solutions, and increase the number of scientifically informed individuals in society at large. Please visit us online at www.nyas.org.