VOLUME 30, ISSUE 2 • June 2026. Full issue »
Social Board highlights ongoing story of progress for World Parkinson's Day
For World Parkinson’s Day on April 11, 2026, the Movement Disorder Society Social Media Board led a coordinated campaign with a clear goal: to increase awareness of Parkinson’s disease (PD) while helping audiences understand their potential role in advancing the field. Central to this effort was a focus on “people and progress” — highlighting the individuals behind key discoveries and reinforcing that the story of PD continues to evolve.
The initiative was designed with three primary aims:
- To improve public understanding of PD and its history
- To humanize scientific progress by centering clinicians, researchers, and advocates
- To foster a sense of shared ownership in the future of PD care and research
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By targeting both health professionals and broader audiences, the campaign leveraged MDS’s unique position to bridge education and engagement.
To support these aims, the team developed a lead-up timeline series featuring key milestones in PD history, followed by interactive content on World Parkinson’s Day, including quizzes and polls to reinforce learning and encourage participation. This structure allowed for both knowledge-building and active engagement.
Scientific advancements compound on each other. Take a look at some of the major milestones of PD research and treatment that have paved the way for the current state of patient care and research. #worldparkinsonsday
— International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society® (@movedisorder.bsky.social) April 10, 2026 at 7:01 PM
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Engagement was particularly strong on Instagram and Facebook, where activity exceeded typical baseline levels and content reached a broader audience than usual. Interactive elements contributed to increased participation, while the visual and narrative approach supported accessibility for both health professionals and the general public. The campaign reached more than 176,000 accounts and generated over 1,000 shares and 2,896 likes.
Overall, this campaign demonstrated the value of pairing educational storytelling with interactive digital strategies. By highlighting the legacy — and future — of PD research and care, the Social Media Board not only increased awareness but also encouraged audiences to see themselves as part of the ongoing story of progress in Parkinson’s disease.
We look forward continue expanding our reach for annual awareness initiatives including World Movement Disorder Day in November 2026.
Learn more about MDS's World Parkinson's Day campaigns:
Read more Moving Along: