Many people may notice they lose their sense of smell, or that their writing is getting smaller and assume it's due to aging. It could, however, those could also be signs of Parkinson's.

Parkinson's is a neurological disease that consists of movement challenges such as stiffness, slowness, walking problems, and tremors. Very few people realize it also include non-motor symptoms such as loss of sense of smell, smaller handwriting, sleep problems, chronic constipation or a softer speaking voice, any of which can manifest many years before a Parkinson's diagnosis.

Right now in Canada some 100,000 individuals with Parkinson's are struggling with the stigma and daily challenges of living with this complex neurological disease. By 2031, the Parkinson's population is expected to double. With 10 more people diagnosed every day in Canada, chances are you or someone you know or love will be affected.

April acts as an awareness month for the disease, to draw attention to the needed support for education, medical specialist, and research. There are treatments for Parkinson's but no cure. This month is about informing Canadians about the impacts of Parkinson's and that they can find help and hope.

It takes communities of caregivers, health professionals, volunteers, staff, researchers and donors to educate, advocate for, and support people living with Parkinson's and their families in addition to finding a cure.
From family and friends to healthcare professionals and from dedicated volunteers to researchers, across the country more than 10,000 of these everyday heroes will once again donate their time to participate in the 2016 26th annual Parkinson SuperWalk, taking place from coast to coast on September 10 and 11 this fall. Thousands more Canadians will sponsor walkers in support of Canadians living with Parkinson's, raising funds for support services, education, advocacy and research.

Dr Denis Fortier President of Medical Services for Southern Health Sante Sud talks about Parkinson's, starting with the special awareness month.