What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder. It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body's muscles and movement. When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear.
 

What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

The loss of dopamine production in the brain causes the primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
The key signs of Parkinson's disease are:

    Tremor (shaking)
    Slowness of movement
    Rigidity (stiffness)
    Difficulty with balance

Other signs of Parkinson's disease may include:

    Small, cramped handwriting
    Stiff facial expression
    Shuffling walk
    Muffled speech
    Depression
 

Who gets Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease affects both men and women in almost equal numbers. It shows no social, ethnic, economic or geographic boundaries. In the United States, it is estimated that 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, joining the 1.5 million Americans who currently have Parkinson's disease. While the condition usually develops after the age of 65, 15% of those diagnosed are under 50.
 

What is the treatment for Parkinson's disease?

There are a number of effective medicines that help to ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Most symptoms are caused by lack of dopamine. The medicines most commonly used will attempt to either replace or mimic dopamine, which improves the tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with Parkinson's disease. Several new medicines are being studied that may slow the progression. Many promise to improve the lives of people with Parkinson's disease.

Can surgery help Parkinson's disease?

Surgery can ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but it is not a cure. Because of the risks associated with brain surgery, it is usually not considered unless all appropriate medications have been tried unsuccessfully. When considering surgery, it is important to see both a neurologist and brain surgeon who specialize in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
 

What is the Parkinson Association of Minnesota?

The Parkinson Association of Minnesota is a non-profit, voluntary alliance of persons committed to the Parkinson community through fundraising for research, education and support.  It is a chapter affiliate of the National Parkinson Foundation, which sponsors research and treatment centers around the world.   Membership is open to anyone wishing to promote Parkinson's disease awareness.
 

How are funds used?

All local funds are used for education and support activities for the Parkinson community in our state.  Current projects include the Caregiver Grant program; sponsorship of conferences for persons/families living with Parkinson's disease and support group facilitators; resource materials for support groups; scholarships to attend the Parkinson Action Network Forum and Young Onset Parkinson Network Conference; support of the Struthers Parkinson's Center in Golden Valley and Capistrant Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders in St. Paul.