April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. To honor those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), we’re spreading awareness about the disease and sharing some of our favorite stories of inspiration.

But, what is Parkinson’s disease? PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, and symptoms appear gradually and slowly get worse. Everyone with Parkinson’s has different symptoms, but the most common and visible ones are related to movement, such as tremors. Parkinson's disease is a result in the loss of nerve cells of the brain producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps to control movements. Beyond the physical symptoms, Parkinson’s impacts a person’s life, relationships, and a sense of self. 

How common is PD? Recent research indicates that 6.3 million people worldwide suffer from PD, with at least one million people¹ in the United States affected. Most people affected are over age 60, but it is estimated that 1 in 10 people are diagnosed before the age of 50. 

So, how does UCB deliver value for patients living with PD? Beyond medical therapies, The Parkinson’s Well-Being Map™ is a tool developed by UCB to help people with Parkinson's prepare for discussions with their doctors, so that symptoms are not forgotten or overlooked throughout the course of day-to-day life. 

UCB also conducts research that takes a holistic view of improving the lives of people living with PD, like the STEP™ research study. Findings from STEP ™ helps UCB better understand the full lived experience of Parkinson’s disease. Based on insights from patients and their caregivers, this work can help to improve patient outcomes by addressing what matters most to them. 

In addition, UCB’s Parkinson’s More Than Motion™ (MTM) community, led by our U.S. affiliate, is dedicated to portraying the full realities of living with PD. People affected by PD and their caregivers are able to connect through the website or Facebook and can stay up-to-date on useful information through the MTM blog, monthly newsletter, and magazine. Read about how Parkinson’s More than Motion advocates are living well with Parkinson's and sign up for the newsletter. 

UCB is committed to identifying and addressing the unmet needs of people living with Parkinson’s to enable them to live at their best. This month, and throughout the year, UCB is honored to celebrate the PD heroes who inspire us every day. 

1Statistic reported from https://www.michaeljfox.org. UCB does not endorse and is not responsible for the content on a website not sponsored by UCB.