ABOUT PARKINSON"S
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.
What Causes Parkinson's Disease?
Scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is an extremely diverse disorder. While no two people experience Parkinson’s the same way, there are some commonalities.
Parkinson's Facts
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Nearly 1 million people in the United States are living with Parkinson's Disease.
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90,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease each year.
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Typical Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, and loss of motor function.
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Other non-motor symptoms include sleep disorders, depression, as well as speech and swallowing issues.
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Over time the progressive disease can cause significant loss of function and loss of independence.
The Parkinson's Foundation is an organization who’s goal is to make life better for those with Parkinson’s Disease by improving their care and advancing research towards a cure.
The Parkinson's Foundation
Patient Support
The Foundation provides information for patients about typical symptoms, treatment options, and finding an appropriate care team.
Research
The Parkinson’s Foundation drives a multi-disciplinary research strategy to close the gaps in knowledge about Parkinson’s – from its basic biology to its impact on the brain and its effects on people. The Foundation works to accelerate their findings, quickly applying them to improved treatments and care today.
They take a comprehensive, big-picture approach to research which is crucial to finding the best paths to new therapies for the millions living with Parkinson’s