The age 60+ population in the United States will more than quadruple within the next decade [Source: Census 2000]. Since most people with Parkinson's disease start developing it in their 60s, health experts expect a corresponding increase in the number of baby boomers being newly diagnosed with the disorder. The result will be a great deal of human suffering as well as a substantial drain on society. When we combine today's price tags for treatment, Social Security payments and lost income from premature disability, Parkinson's disease already costs our nation in excess of $6 billion annually [Source: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]. 

Medical research has visibly transformed the practice of medicine over the past fifty years, and even greater benefits may be possible in the next fifty years. Without doubt, it holds the promise of easing the growing burden for Parkinson's disease as well as other age-related chronic diseases. 

About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S.
It's an illness with no verified cause, no clear preventive measures and no cure. It's chronic (persists over a long period of time), and progressive (symptoms grow worse over time). There are no objective tests or biomarkers for Parkinson's so it can be difficult to diagnose, especially in its early stages. While it predominantly strikes people over age 60, people as young as 30 can be affected.

The disease begins when a class of brain cells that produce dopamine start to die. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) critical to relaying brain messages that control both balance and movement. When dopamine isn't sufficient, cells don't signal each other properly and people eventually develop symptoms such as resting tremor, slowness of movement, rigidity and instability in walking, as well as a variety of non-motor symptoms such as depression and sleep disturbances. However, Parkinson's symptoms manifest differently in different patients. Many patients experience some symptoms and not others, and even the pace at which the disease worsens varies on an individual basis.

Parkinson's generally progresses gradually and people can have many years of productive living after being diagnosed. When symptoms get worse, though, even the simplest tasks can be an ordeal. Parkinson's itself is not fatal. However, as symptoms worsen they can cause complications that result in death. 

Current treatments relieve symptoms but nothing exists to arrest the disease or cure it. 

About Research
There are many types of medical research including: 

• Basic medical research to create new knowledge through the study of cells, molecules and chromosomes. This type of research helps us to understand the genetic and environmental factors that increase the odds of developing a disease and points to new ways to prevent, diagnose, manage and even cure a variety of disorders.
  
• Translational research to use the knowledge discovered through basic research to develop new drugs, vaccines, devices and medical procedures. It is the research stage where laboratory and clinical activities are closely aligned.
  
• Clinical research to test patients or tissue samples from patients for information about specific illness and conditions. Clinical research includes studies called clinical trials where a treatment or therapy is tested in people to see whether it's safe and effective.
  
• Outcomes-based research to provide evidence upon which clinicians can more scientifically select among existing treatment options for individual patients.

Active research projects in Parkinson's disease are taking place at all levels to find ways to prevent Parkinson's disease, diagnose it at earlier stages, treat symptoms, halt its progression and even repair damage.