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Basic Information About Parkinson's Disease The Disease Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affecting over 1 million people in the United States. Clinically, the disease is characterized by a decrease in spontaneous movements, gait difficulty, postural instability, rigidity and tremor. Parkinson's disease is caused by the degeneration of the pigmented neurons in the Substantia Nigra of the brain, resulting in decreased dopamine availability. The major symptoms of the disease were originally described in 1817 by an English physician, Dr. James Parkinson, who called it "Shaking Palsy". Only in the 1960's, however, pathological and biochemical changes in the brain of patients were identified, opening the way to the first effective medication for the disease. Incidence Both men and women are affected. The frequency of the disease is considerably higher in the over 50 age group, even though there is an alarming increase of patients of younger age. In consideration of the increased life expectancy in this country and worldwide, an increasing number of people will be victims of Parkinson's disease. Treatment Administration of the drug levodopa has been the standard treatment for Parkinson's disease. Once it reaches the brain, levodopa is converted to dopamine which replaces the same substance not present in sufficient amounts in Parkinson's patients. Treatment with levodopa does not, however, prevent the progressive changes of the brain typical of Parkinson's disease. The drug may also produce side effects in some people, due to its change to dopamine before reaching the brain. The simultaneous administration with levodopa of substances inhibiting this change allows a higher concentration of levodopa to reach the brain and also considerably decreases the side effects. Some new drugs have recently been approved offering a wider choice of medications for the patient, while others are under investigation in this country and overseas in an effort to obtain better therapeutic results with fewer side effects. The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., founded in 1961, has sought to "Ease the Burden and Find the Cure" for this disease through research, patient and family support and education. Education Our education program provides information and resources to patients, their families, friends, doctors and other medical professionals and enhances public education and awareness of the disease. A set of eight manuals dealing with symptoms and medications, support, physiotherapy, speech problems and equipment to be used in the home is available free of charge. Some of the manuals have already been translated or are in the process of being translated into other languages. Educational supplements dealing with specific subjects related to Parkinson's disease are issued as the need may arise. A quarterly newsletter which focuses upon the latest developments in research and treatment of the disease is also mailed to over 200,000 addresses. APDA also publishes and updates annually an international Parkinson's Disease Resource Guide. The main purpose of such guide is to provide a worldwide exchange of information among the people afflicted by this disease and their supporting organizations. Support Recognizing the devastating effects of the illness upon the patient and the family, a support program was initiated to motivate the patients in maximizing strengths, minimizing impediments and achieving and maintaining full potential. At present the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. sponsors 65 Chapters and more than 800 Support Groups which provide education, counseling, assistance and referrals throughout the United States. The Chapters also sponsor regional symposia and conferences in cooperation with our Information and Referral Centers. To provide professional support to the educational, counseling and referral needs of the Chapters, the Support Groups and the Parkinsonians at large, the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. funds 53 Information and Referral Centers from coast to coast. Their functions are to educate, counsel and refer patients to medical professionals, increase awareness of the incidence of the disease and to establish Parkinson's disease Chapters and Support Groups in their geographical areas. Over $1.5 million was allocated for such purposes during this fiscal year. Research The research program funds three types of grants: The Cotzias Fellowship, awarded to young neurologists for three consecutive years, with yearly stipends of $70,000; the Research Grants of $25,000 each, awarded to research scientists working on Parkinson's disease and Medical Student Fellowships of $2,000 each. APDA is also funding five Centers for Advanced Research in institutions across the country. Over $1.5 million was allocated this fiscal year to support research projects. Fund Raising - Public Relations Fundraising is of paramount importance to support our ambitious programs. Proceeds from contributions, direct mail response, special events sponsored by the national office and Chapters, along with a bequest program and gifts from foundations and corporations are used for funding our programs. A series of public service announcements by prominent individuals are distributed periodically. Our awareness campaigns and symposia throughout the United States have helped increase our visibility. Without the support of the public, we would not be able to fund our outstanding research projects and unique education programs throughout the United States. Since APDA is a privately funded association, we would like to thank all who have invested in our cause and look forward to a continued and growing relationship in our quest to "Ease the Burden and Find The Cure." If you wish additional information regarding an investment in finding a cure and/or helping patients, please call the toll-free no. 1-800-223-2732. Educational Material Available: 1.Quarterly Newsletter 2.Parkinson's Disease Handbook, 40 page booklet(English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian) 3.Basic Information about Parkinson's Disease, 8 page brochure(English, Chinese) 4.PD 'N' Me , 88 page booklet(English) 5.Be Active-A suggested exercise program for people w/Parkinson's Disease, 25 page booklet(English, Italian, Japanese) 6.Be Independent-Equipment and suggestions for daily living activities, 32 page booklet(English, Italian) 7.Let's Communicate-Speech and swallowing problems in Parkinson's disease, 21 page booklet(English, Italian, Japanese) 8.Good Nutrition in Parkinson's Disease, 26 page booklet(English, Italian, Swedish) 9.Young Parkinson's Disease Handbook, 121 page booklet(English) 10.How to start a Parkinson's Support Group, 24 page booklet(English, Italian) To order the APDA publications listed above, click here! Audiotapes of some APDA educational booklets are now available for distribution. This project was accomplished in cooperation with the American Foundation for the Blind. Be Independent - 60 minutes - $5.00 per tape Let's Communicate - 70 minutes - $5.00 per tape Parkinson's Disease Handbook/Be Active - 180 minutes - $10.00 per set |
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Index / Diet / Patient Should Know / Things To Remember
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