Home


Meet Dr. Donnica Video Introduction TV Appearances


Diseases & Conditions Today on DrDonnica.com Clinical Trials Decisionnaires FAQs Top Tips Fast Facts Debunking Myths News Alerts Celebrity Speak Out Guest Experts Women's Health Champions Books Women's Health Resources


Mission Privacy Policy Sponsors Press Room What's New? Contact Us

This website is accredited by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.


OBGYN Award


Hope Award
 

Send to a Friend
What Is Parkinson's Disease

What do Michael J. Fox and Janet Reno have in common?  They have both shown that people can be successful in high-powered, demanding positions despite having Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurologic disorder.

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease . . .yet.  But doctors and researchers are optimistic.  In the meantime, medical and surgical treatments can help control symptoms such as severe movement difficulties.

Parkinson's disease is caused by brain cell death of an unknown cause in an area called the substantia nigra.  These cells make dopamine, the chemical that controls muscle movement.  The resulting symptoms include resting tremors, slow, labored movement, muscle rigidity, and loss of balance and coordination.  Other common symptoms include stooped posture, loss of facial expression, a "shuffling" walk, depression, and impaired speech.

Most patients are over 65; only one in 20 patients with Parkinson's disease develop it before age 45.  Combination drug therapy is generally effective for about 10 years, after which surgery may be appropriate.


Created: 4/26/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.


All the content contained herein is copyrighted pursuant to federal law. Duplication or use without
the express written permission of DrDonnica.com subjects the violator to both civil & criminal penalties.
Copyright © 2006 DrDonnica.com. All rights reserved.

Home | Today on DrDonnica.com | Meet Dr. Donnica | TV Appearances | Clinical Trials
Diseases & Conditions | Decisionnaires | Celebrity Speak Out | Guest Experts | Women's Health Champions
FAQs | Women’s Health Resources | Archive | Books & Tapes | Site Certification | Advanced Search
Mission | What’s New? | Press Room | Privacy Policy | Sponsors | Partners | Contact Us