Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affecting more than 1.5 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.

Men and women alike are affected. The frequency of the disease is considerably higher in the over-60 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.

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.

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 nine 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 being translated into other languages.

Educational supplements dealing with specific subjects related to Parkinson's disease are periodically issued.

A quarterly newsletter which focuses upon the latest developments in research and treatment of the disease is also mailed to more than 200,000 addresses.

APDA also publishes an annual International Parkinson's Disease Resource Guide with the purpose of providing a worldwide exchange of information among the people afflicted by this disease and their supporting organizations.

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. The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. sponsors 65 chapters and more than 250 affiliated support groups which provide education, counseling, assistance and referrals throughout the United States.

The chapters also sponsor regional symposia and conferences in cooperation with the 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 58 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 areas. More than $2 million is allocated annually to maintain these centers.

The research program funds five types of grants:

1. The Roger C. Duvoisin, MD Fellowship, established in 2002, carries a stipend of $80,000 for one year and is intended to support established researchers in Parkinson's disease studies.
2. The Cotzias Fellowship, awarded to young neurologists for three consecutive years, with yearly stipends of $70,000.
3. Research Grants of up to $50,000 a year are awarded to scientists working on Parkinson's disease.
4. Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships of $35,000 a year.
5. Medical Student Fellowships in the amount of $4,000 each per year.

APDA is also funding eight Centers for Advanced Research in institutions across the country at a level of $100,000 a year for five consecutive years. More than 2.3 million dollars is allocated annually to support research projects Fund Raising and Public Relations

Fund raising is of paramount importance to support our ambitious programs. Proceeds from contributions, direct mail, 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 public support we would not be able to fund our outstanding research projects and unique education programs. 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 toll-free 1-800-223-2732.

1. Quarterly newsletter
2. Parkinson's Disease Handbook, 40-page booklet (English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian)
3. Basic information About Parkinson's Disease, eight page brochure (English)
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. Speaking Effectively, 34-page booklet (English)
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)
11. Aquatic Exercises for PD, 19-page booklet (English)