Parkinson's Disease Description: Parkinson's disease is a slow, progressive disorder that affects movement, muscle control and balance. It occurs when cells are destroyed in certain parts of the brain, where the cells release dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger in the brain). Loss of dopamine is the primary defect in Parkinson's disease. Symptoms: Tremor, stiffness, slow and difficult movements, and problems with balance and walking. Muscle rigidity often begins in the legs and neck; in the face, muscle rigidity can produce a mask-like, staring appearance. Hand deformities may develop in late stages, causing severe discomfort and limitation. Number of Americans diagnosed: Between 1 and 1.5 million. Long-term problems/treatments: Parkinson's disease is not fatal, but it reduces longevity. It also seriously impairs the quality of life and may sometimes lead to severe incapacity within 10 to 20 years. Treatments are increasingly effective in alleviating symptoms and even slowing progression of the disease, although side effects can be nearly as distressing as the disease itself, and the drugs may eventually lose their effectiveness. Directory List Choose an illness from the menu below: Select here Allergies Alzheimer's disease Arthritis Asthma Bipolar disorder Chronic back problems Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive        pulmonary disease Cirrhosis Depression Developmental disabilities Diabetes Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Glaucoma Hearing impairment Heart disease Hepatitis C High blood pressure Human Immunodeficiency        Virus (HIV) Kidney disease Lou Gehrig's disease Lupus Lyme disease Migraine Multiple sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Orthopedic Impairments Osteoporosis Paralysis of the extremities Parkinson's disease Psoriasis Schizophrenia Sinusitis Stroke Thyroid condition         Previous      Next Resources Parkinson's Disease Foundation Awakenings Parkinson's Disease Caregiver Information Home | Awareness | Patient Files | The Challenge | Your Stories | Outreach | Resources About the Program | About Fred Friendly Seminars | Our Partners | Site Map | Credits © 2001 Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc.