During the Lunar New Year, children's visits can provide an opportunity to monitor elderly parents' health, particularly by observing any changes in their movement. If parents seem slower than usual or have difficulty maintaining their balance, it may be a sign of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative brain disorder that is common in older adults. As of 2023, South Korea has approximately 125,526 patients with Parkinson's disease, marking a 14% increase over the past five years. The condition typically occurs in individuals in their mid-sixties and older, with incidence rates rising with age.

Parkinson's disease results from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Recognizing the onset of the disease can be challenging, and due to its degenerative nature, symptoms worsen gradually over time. Common symptoms include motor impairments like bradykinesia (slowness of movement), tremor (shaking when at rest), rigidity (stiffness), and postural instability (difficulty maintaining balance). Additionally, non-motor symptoms may manifest, including depression, night terrors, loss of smell, constipation, fatigue, and pain.

Family members are encouraged to closely observe their elderly relatives for signs of tremors and gait abnormalities, which stem not from muscle weakness but from issues in motor control and cognitive function. According to Professor Kim Nayoung from Yongin Severance Hospital, gait disturbances in Parkinson's patients are linked to disrupted rhythmicity and irregularity, resulting in slower walking speed and shorter, more erratic strides. This insight highlights the importance of vigilance in recognizing potential Parkinson's symptoms early for timely intervention and support.