Parkinson’s is a disease of the nervous system which affects our movements. Michael J. Fox, the popular actor, was diagnosed with this disease in 1991, at the young age of 30, and has helped tremendously to raise awareness by telling the world about his diagnosis, and then by setting up his foundation to raise money for research to find a cure.

In people with this disease, the brain cells that produce a chemical, known as dopamine, malfunction and eventually die. This results in decreased amounts of dopamine in the brain. Since dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or messenger, to the part of the brain controlling movement and coordination, less of this chemical means a slower delivery of those messages from the brain telling the body when and how to move. The person affected will have difficulty starting and controlling her/his movements.

The cause of Parkinson’s is unknown. Although Mr. Fox developed the disease at a young age, that is not as common as developing when we are older. The risk of developing this disease increases as we age; it affects 1-2% of Americans over the age of 60. It may run in families, although people without a family history get it as well. This is an active area of research, and recent studies suggest that exposure to pesticides may play a role. Approximately 1.5 million people in the US have Parkinson’s, and 600,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Early in the disease there may be no symptoms. Once symptoms appear,the most common include an uncontrollable tremor, or shaking, of the hands, while at rest; slowed and difficult movement; impaired posture and balance; and rigid, or stiff, muscles. The disease is chronic and the symptoms continually worsen. There currently is no cure, although there are medications that can help in the control of the symptoms.

What can you do? Let others know the importance of this disease. Or, join the 15th Annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk in New York City on Saturday, April 25! Learn more about the disease and the ongoing research to find a cure at one of the following sites:       http://www.michaeljfox.org/index.cfm   OR  http://www.pdf.org