Understanding Parkinson's

What is Parkinson's Disease?

A neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific part of the brain called the substantia nigra
A disorder with much variance among affected individuals

Symptoms generally develop gradually and vary across affected individuals, but common ones include:
- Tremor, mainly at rest
- Pill rolling tremor in hands
- Bradykinesia, or slowness of movement
- Limb rigidity
- Gait (walking) and balance problems
- Constipation
- Sleep behavior disorders
- Loss of sense of smell
- Cognitive impairment
- Apathy
- Depression
Other effects include:
- Limited activities due to motor impairment
- Limited accessibility or those with motor disabilities: steps or stairs, lack of ramps or elevators, may need a caretaker

By the next year, 930,000 people will be living with PD in the U.S., and this number is projected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030
Approx. 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD every year
Over 10 million have PD worldwide
Incidence of PD increases with age, but approx. 4% of people with PD are diagnosed before the age of 50

Medications alone cost an average of $2,500 a year and therapeutic surgery can cost up to $100,000 per person
This does not account for the emotional and mental cost PD can have on those diagnosed with it or on their loved ones

Stay informed about PD, its impacts, and what can be done to fight it or live through it
Wear a silver ribbon for PD awareness, esp. in April (National PD Awareness Month)
Spread awareness throughout CNEC and the larger community through the PFP Club