This past week's announcement by actor Michael J. Fox that he will be retiring has again put national attention on Parkinson's Disease. In interviews he states that he is leaving so as to concentrate on his battle with the disease and his advocacy for a cure.

Michael J. Fox is a very visible victim of this neurological disorder, but not your typical victim. Parkinson's is usually thought of as a disease of aging. The average age of onset is 60 years of age.

Parkinson's is one of a group of diseases classified as a motor system disorder. Its most obvious symptoms are tremors or trembling of the hands, arms legs and face, stiffness of the limbs and trunk, slowness of movements and impaired balance and coordination. It is a chronic, progressive disease with symptoms growing worse over time and leading to total disability and dependence. Along with the visible symptoms the person with Parkinson's will also have difficulty swallowing and talking. The person with Parkinson's is very likely to be depressed and have weight loss due to decreased appetite and difficulty swallowing.

The exact cause of Parkinson's is not known. Degeneration of certain brain cells causes a reduction in Dopamine an essential chemical of the brain. Exactly what causes the degeneration of those brain cells is not known although much research is being done. Diagnosis of Parkinson's is made by a specialist and is based on the symptoms presented and ruling out other possible causes.

The Cost of Parkinson's Disease
According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, each patient spends an average of $2,500 a year for medications. Estimates of costs of medical care, disability payments and lost income exceed $5.6 million annually. This does not include the effect on caregivers and family.

Michael J. Fox has set up a foundation for the support of research on Parkinson's Disease. Visit the web site for information. Michael J. Fox Foundation

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