About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects more than 1.5 million Americans. About 60,000 people are diagnosed each year. An estimated 3 million Americans currently have Parkinson’s like disorders…and that means about an equal number of caregivers.

People with Parkinson’s (also known as PWP’s) lack the substance dopamine, which is essential for the central nervous system’s control of muscle activity. They may notice tremors, stiffness in limbs and joints, speech impairment, and difficulty in walking and initiating movement. Sometimes the early signs aren’t obvious because they occur slowly and can be attributed to aging. Most PWP’s have already lost 60-80% of their dopamine-producing cells by the time they are diagnosed.

Parkinson's affects the young and old alike. While most who suffer from the disease are diagnosed between the ages of 58-62, an estimated 20% of PWP’s are under 50…even young adults and children. But whatever your age, resources are here for you, your family and your care partners.