Parkinson's disease is degenerative movement disorder caused by loss of dopamine producing neurons in a location of the brain called the substantia nigra pars compacta. Dopamine in this area both activates and inhibits several cell types and the lack of dopamine leads to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease: muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movements and postural instability. The tremor is typically described as "pill-rolling" occurring 4-6 times per second. In addition to the motor symptoms of Parkinson's, non-motor symptoms such as depression can be seen in a substantial percentage of afflicted persons. This disease is chronic and progressive and while drugs can slow the progression of Parkinson's, they cannot stop the progression of symptoms entirely. There are over 1 million people living with Parkinson's in the United States alone. There have been many famous people who have suffered from Parkinson's disease and a list can be found here

More information about Parkinson's disease is available at: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

About the National Parkinson Foundation
The National Parkinson Foundation was originally founded by Mrs. Jeanne C. Levey in 1957 while caring for her husband who had Parkinson's disease. For 22 years, until her death at age 92, Jeanne Levey nurtured NPF and watched it grow, as more and more persons became involved with and benefited from the work of the Foundation. Today, the National Parkinson Foundation supports Parkinson's-related research, patient care, education, training, and outreach. National Parkinson Foundation Chapters and Centers work with hundreds of persons in support groups throughout the United States, which can be found listed on the National Parkinson Foundation.

The mission of the National Parkinson Foundation is as follows:
  • To find the cause of and the cure for Parkinson's disease through research.
  • To improve the quality of life for persons with Parkinson's and their caregivers.
  • To educate persons with Parkinson's, their caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the general public about Parkinson's disease and its treatment.
Your donation dollars are divided in the following way:

Research funding is divided into three major areas, large center grants, comprehensive care grants, and outreach grants. Current examples of each are found below.

Clinical Center Grants
  • Three genetic studies with one that assessed LLRK2 mutations and the predictive value of olfactory, visual, and affective parameters in Parkinson's disease patients.
  • Two analyses of clinical data sets on the important question of calcium channel blockers and anti-inflammatory medications and statins as potential treatments.
  • Three studies focusing on cognition and depression, including the development of computer-based exercises for improved cognition.
  • Five studies of falls and fall prevention.
Comprehensive Care Grants
  • Eight grants focusing on the development of models of care both in team approaches and self-management of Parkinson's disease.
  • Two grants focusing on issues of advanced-stage Parkinson's disease care including the development of interdisciplinary guidelines through problem-based assessment.
  • Three grants supporting coordination and continuity of care.
Outreach Grants
NPF has funded 36 outreach grants for the fiscal year 2008-2009 through its Centers Grants program. Of the 36 programs, 28 sought to reach underserved and culturally diverse populations.
Examples of these programs included:
  • Multi-lingual homemaker trainings.
  • Geriatric nurse educators in African-American churches.
  • Multi-lingual Web page for patients in Lebanon.
  • Spanish services in New York City, Phoenix, Boca Raton, and Boston.
Information about the National Parkinson Foundation taken from their web site at www.parkinson.org