Disease

• Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive degenerative neurological disorder affecting more than 1. 5 million Americans. Men and women alike are affected and, although the highest incidence is in those over 60 years old, an alarming number of cases under 50 is being documented yearly.

• PD is characterized by slowness in movement, walking difficulty, posture instability, rigidity or stiffness of arms, legs, or neck, and tremors, mostly in the hands at rest. Secondary symptoms may include depression, confusion,  difficulty in speaking and/or swallowing, and facial "masking."

• Dr. James Parkinson, an English physician, first described the disease as "Shaking Palsy" in 1817. It was not until the 1960's, however, that research revealed the cause was a reduction of the  neurotransmitter (message carrier), dopamine, in the Substantia Nigra section of the brain.

• There is no cure yet for PD, but the drug levodopa, which when it is reaches the brain is converted to dopamine, has been the standard treatment. When levodopa produces side effects, it can be replaced by other medications. Newly approved drugs are widening the choice of therapies, and surgical procedures-- such as deep brain stimulation (DBS)-- are also helpful for appropriate candidates. New medications are under investigation, and government and pharmaceutical company- sponsored clinical trials are being conducted.

• The cause(s) of PD is still unknown, but among the possibilities under consideration are genetic predisposition, exposure to environmental toxins, and combination of the two.