– What is Parkinson’s Disease? –

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people, men and women, young and old, worldwide. The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, making a cure, difficult. Those living with a Parkinson’s diagnosis may face a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms, all with varying intensities. No two People With Parkinson’s (PWP) are alike.

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Some Common PD Symptoms Are

Motor

  • Tremors – involuntary shaking or trembling
  • Slowness of movement and difficulty initiating movement.
  • Rigidity: limited range of motion.
  • Impaired balance and coordination, can lead to a potential for falls.
  • Gait issues: Shuffling or dragging feet while walking.

Non-motor

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Cognitive changes
  • And gastrointestinal issues
Diagnosis

Diagnosing Parkinson's disease can be challenging, as there is no specific test to confirm its’ presence in an individual.

Doctors rely on a thorough medical history, neurological examination, and observation of symptoms to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, additional imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, may be performed to rule out other conditions. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are various treatment options available to manage its symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with the condition… We call this ‘Living Well With PD’.

Treatment

Although there is no known cure for Parkinson’s Disease, there are various treatment that can make it easier to manage your Parkinson’s.

Medications such as Levodopa and Duodopa play a critical role in helping people manage their Parkinson’s. However, these medications, depending on where you live or your income, can be very expensive.

  • One pill may be equivalent to the daily wage in some countries. People with Parkinson’s are forced to choose between their medication and putting food on the table for their families.

Aside from medical interventions, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy play crucial roles in managing Parkinson’s disease. These therapies aim to enhance mobility, maintain independence in daily activities, and address speech and swallowing difficulties.

About World Parkinson’s Program

World Parkinson’s Program is a registered Canadian charity that was founded by world renowned Canadian neurologist, Dr. Abdul Qayyum Rana, in 2008. During his childhood, he noticed his grandmother had severe tremors and required constant care. It was only after her death and becoming a physician,did he realize his grandmother had Parkinson’s disease. This inspired him to start World Parkinson’s Program as he saw the need to help those who were misinformed about their condition. He saw an opportunity to help support people with Parkinson’s globally who could not afford or access the medication they need.

We are the only registered Canadian charity that provides free Parkinson’s medications to those in need around the world.

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Our Mission

We believe that every individual with Parkinson’s disease should have access to medication, educational materials, and supportive programs regardless of where they reside or their financial situation.

Some of our initiatives include:

Free PD medications to patients globally who cannot afford them.

Free educational literature about Parkinson’s in over 20 languages. All accessible through our website.

Providing free assistive devices such as canes, walkers, electronic toothbrushes, and wheelchairs.

Hosting free in person and virtual exercise and wellness classes.

Where do your donations go?

EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL

Free access to Parkinson’s educational brochures and video lectures in multiple languages.​

FREE MEDICATION

Providing free Parkinson’s medications to those who cannot afford them.

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    FREE ASSISTIVE DEVICES

    Providing free walkers, canes, electric toothbrushes and wheelchairs to those who cannot afford them.
    Request Assistive Devices
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      SUPPORTIVE PROGRAMS

      FREE In person and virtual exercise and wellness classes, and scheduled patient summits.

      – JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST PARKINSON’S-

      PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S
      WILL DOUBLE BY “2040” GLOBALLY

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