The history of Parkinson’s disease: from discovery to modern milestones

Read on for more on James Parkinson, shaking palsy, tulips and biomarkers…

Discovering Parkinson’s disease

The journey of understanding Parkinson’s disease began in 1817 when James Parkinson, a British apothecary surgeon, published “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy.” This groundbreaking work detailed the symptoms of what he referred to as “shaking palsy,” including tremors, muscular rigidity, and postural instability. James Parkinson’s keen observations and detailed descriptions laid the foundation for future research and understanding of this complex neurological disorder. His work was pivotal in identifying a condition that affected motor function and significantly impacted the lives of those who had it.

However, references to similar symptoms are also found in Ayurvedic texts and in the writings of the physician Galen in AD 1752. The term “Parkinson’s disease,” as we know it today, was coined in 1865 by William Sanders and later popularised by the influential French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot.

Advances in treatments

Over the years, significant strides have been made in treating Parkinson’s disease. Early treatments were limited and primarily focused on physical therapy and the use of anticholinergic drugs to alleviate symptoms. However, the real breakthrough came in the 1960s when researchers Arvid Carlsson and Oleh Hornykiewicz discovered the critical role of dopamine in Parkinson’s disease. They found that the brains of Parkinson’s patients had significantly reduced dopamine levels, which are essential for controlling movement.

This discovery led to the development of Levodopa (L-Dopa) therapy in the late 1960s. Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine and can cross the blood-brain barrier to replenish dopamine levels. It remains the most effective treatment for managing Parkinson’s symptoms and has significantly improved the quality of life for many patients.

In addition to Levodopa, other treatment options have emerged over the years, including dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and COMT inhibitors. These medications work in different ways to increase dopamine levels or enhance its effects in the brain.

The tulip symbol

The tulip has become an international symbol of Parkinson’s disease awareness and solidarity. The story behind the tulip dates back to 1980 when J.W.S. Van der Wereld, a Dutch horticulturist diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, developed a special red and white tulip. He named it “Dr. James Parkinson” in honour of the man who first described the condition. This tulip symbolises hope, perseverance, and the collective effort to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. It has since been adopted by various Parkinson’s organisations worldwide as a powerful emblem of awareness and support.

Parkinson's Timeline

  • 1817: James Parkinson publishes “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy,” describing the condition that would later bear his name.
  • 1960: Arvid Carlsson discovers the role of dopamine in Parkinson’s disease, leading to the development of Levodopa therapy.
  • 1967: The Hoehn and Yahr scale is introduced to describe the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
  • 1980: The red and white tulip is named “Dr James Parkinson” by Dutch horticulturist J.W.S. Van der Wereld, becoming a symbol of Parkinson’s awareness.
  • 1997: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is approved by the FDA for treating Parkinson’s disease in America.
  • 2000: The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation is established to support research and provide resources for patients and caregivers.
  • 2010: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is founded, focusing on finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease & Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  • was approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
  • 2016: The Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study (APGS) begins, aiming to identify genetic factors influencing Parkinson’s disease.
  • 2020: Advances in gene therapy and neuroprotective treatments are explored in clinical trials, offering hope for future breakthroughs.
  • 2025: Parkinson’s Australia hosts the first face-to-face National Conference in Canberra in a decade, featuring international and local experts discussing wellbeing, symptom management, latest research and new treatments.

Raising awareness during World Parkinson’s Month

World Parkinson’s Day is celebrated on April 11th each year, marking the birthday of James Parkinson, who first described the disease in 1817. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease and supporting those affected by it. It’s a time to educate the public, advocate for better resources, and foster a sense of community among those living with Parkinson’s and their families.

Spark the Night is a global event that takes place on the evening of World Parkinson’s Day. It involves illuminating landmarks and buildings in blue light to symbolise support for the 11.8 million people living with Parkinson’s worldwide. This event aims to highlight the challenges faced by those with Parkinson’s and to inspire collective action and solidarity.

World Parkinson’s Month, observed throughout April, provides numerous opportunities to raise awareness and support for Parkinson’s disease. Here are some ways you can get involved:

  • Share information: Use social media platforms to share facts, stories, and resources about Parkinson’s disease. You can use hashtags like #WorldParkinsonsDay and #SparkTheNight to reach a wider audience.
  • Host events: Organise local events such as fundraisers, walks, or educational seminars to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research and support.
  • Participate in fundraising: Join or organise fundraising activities like bake sales, charity runs, or online donation drives. Every contribution helps in advancing research and providing support to those affected. Check out our fundraising options here or contact us for more information.
  • Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to Parkinson’s organisations. Whether it’s helping with administrative tasks, participating in support groups, or assisting with events, your involvement makes a difference.
  • Educate others: Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about Parkinson’s disease. Educating others helps reduce stigma and promotes understanding of the challenges faced by those living with the condition.
  • Wear the symbol: Show your support by wearing the red tulip or blue light symbol associated with Parkinson’s awareness. These symbols serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight against Parkinson’s disease.

By coming together and taking action, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Let’s spark change and shine a light on Parkinson’s this April!

References:

Ex Libris (2015). James Parkinson’s essay on the shaking palsy. JR Coll Physicians Edinb, 45, 84-6.

Goldman, J. G., & Goetz, C. G. (2007). History of Parkinson’s disease. Handbook of clinical neurology, 83, 107-128.

Pearce, J. M. (1978). Aetiology and natural history of Parkinson’s disease. British Medical Journal, 2(6153), 1664.

Poewe, W. H., & Wenning, G. K. (1996). The natural history of Parkinson’s disease. Neurology, 47(6_suppl_3), 146S-152S.

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