What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder resulting from loss of dopamine in a specific part of the brain called the substania nigra. Dopamine, a chemical substance in the brain, plays an important role in the transmission of brain impulses that control movement.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Symptoms can include:

• Rigidity (stiffness in extremities)
• Resisting tremor (tremor of an extremity when not in use)
• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
• Postural instability (problems with balance that may result in a fall)

Ultimately, Parkinson's disease may render an individual partially or totally disabled.

Who is most likely to get Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease strikes people of all ages and ethnicity. The average age of diagnosis is 60, although 10-20% develop Parkinson's disease before the age of 50.

The cause is unknown, but current research points to multiple factors including an accelerated aging process, genetic predisposition and exposure to environmental toxins.

How common is Parkinson's disease?

Approximately one to two million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson's disease - more than multiple sclerosis. Lou Gehrig's disease, muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis combined. Attorney General Janet Reno, boxer Muhammad Ali, Reverend Billy Graham and actor Michael J. Fox have all been diagnosed with the disease.

Parkinson's Disease Research Society
Glenbrook Hospital - Division of Neurology

2100 Pfingsten Road, Suite B205-A
Glenview, IL 60026