April marks Parkinson’s Awareness Month and local caregivers highlight its importance

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and those in the community are trying to make more people aware of the debilitating disease.

It can impact mobility, cognition, and emotional health, affecting a person’s daily routines.

Those with Parkinson’s often rely on caregivers to help with everyday tasks.

Parkinson’s Disease is a long-term illness, and its symptoms usually start off small and gradually become more serious.

“It comes on sudden, and just very gradual without people realizing the symptoms are connecting together, worsening and becoming more persistent until boom they’re right there,” said Merilyn Wilson, LPN and Care Coordinator with Griswold Home Care.

Wilson says to talk with your primary care doctor early if you know it runs in your family history or if you are experiencing signs.