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 Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that results from degeneration and premature death of dopamine-producing brain cells. A neurochemical that controls the communication among brain cells, dopamine is responsible for control of motor function. When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson disease appear. Symptoms generally include tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; slowness of movement (also known as bradykinesia); and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. Eventually, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. One person in every thousand develops Parkinson's disease. It doesn't discriminate, affecting men and women equally. Please visit the following organization's websites to find out more. THE MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION FOR PARKINSON'S RESEARCH The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is dedicated to ensuring the development of a cure for Parkinson's disease within this decade through an aggressively funded research agenda. The Foundation awards grants to help guarantee that new and innovative research avenues are thoroughly funded and explored. Actor Michael J. Fox established the Foundation in May 2000 shortly after announcing his retirement from Spin City. In 1998 he publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease seven years earlier. For more information, please call 1-800-708-7644 or visit www.michaeljfox.org THE PARKINSON'S ACTION NETWORK Founded in 1991, the Parkinson's Action Network is the unified education and advocacy voice of the Parkinson's community-more than one million Americans and their families. Through education and interaction with the Parkinson's community, scientists, lawmakers, opinion leaders, and the public, PAN increases awareness about Parkinson's disease and seeks federal support for Parkinson's research. For more information, please call 1-800-850-4726 or visit www.parkinsonsaction.org |
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