Parkinson's Disease is a degenerate disease involving the central nervous system. In Parkinson's disease, the neurons that are responsible for making the chemical dopamine die or stop working properly, causing the signals that coordinate movement to function incorrectly. Parkinson's disease continues to get worse over time, and there is no known cure. However, there are medications that can help control the symptoms. Fast Facts
- 15% of cases under age 50
- Cause unknown
- Symptoms: Tremor, rigid muscles, slowed motion, poor balance and coordination
- Other symptoms include: nightmares, depression, excess saliva
- More common in men
- No cure
- Medicines can relieve symptoms
- Exercise beneficial
- Usually begins at the age range of 50s to 60s
United States Statistics
- New cases per year: 60,000
- Total cases: 1.5 million
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Parkinson's Disease, please consult your doctor.
Parkinson's Disease News
- ScienceDaily: Parkinson's News
- HealthDay: Family Study Associates Pesticide Use With Parkinson's Risk (March 28, 2008)
- "Researchers from both Duke University Medical Center and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine interviewed 319 Parkinson's patients and more than 200 of their relatives to get details about whether they ever were exposed to pesticides, lived or worked on a farm, or drank water from wells."
- HealthDay: Therapeutic Cloning Works in Mice With Parkinson's (March 24, 2008)
- HealthDay: Gene Linked to Form of Parkinson's Disease (March 21, 2008)
- WebMD: Test IDs Parkinson's (March 14, 2008)
- ScienceDaily: Could Parkinson's Disease Risk Be Assessed Early Enough To... (February 22, 2008)
- HealthDay: Tango Classes Put Parkinson's Patients a Step Ahead (February 13, 2008)
- HealthDay: Industrial Solvent May Increase Risk for Parkinsonism (January 11, 2008)
- KETV, Omaha: Parkinson's Discovery Will Help Hunt For Therapies (January 10, 2008)
- HealthDay: Gene Mutation Linked to Parkinson's Disease (September 17, 2007)
- BBC News: Brain 'cannabis' Parkinson's hope (February 8, 2007)
- The New York Times: On the Trail of Parkinson's, Through Yeast Cells (April 24, 2007)
- San Francisco Chronicle: Parkinson's patients desperate for help sign on to... (April 22, 2007)
