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What is Parkinson's Disease

The etiology (cause) of this chronic neurological disorder remains a mystery. James Parkinson, a London physician, first described the syndrome in 1817 as the "shaking palsy". Parkinson's disease results from a deficiency of dopamine, a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) produced in the midbrain region called the substantia nigra. Early symptoms are typically unilateral (present only on one side of the body). Both symptoms and rate of progression vary from person to person.

It is estimated that 1.5 million persons in the U.S. have Parkinson's disease (PD), approximately 2% of adults over age 60. Most people are diagnosed in their 50's or 60's, although 10% are classified as "young onset", diagnosed prior to age 40.

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