Question 2 of 21

For whom is Parkinson's disease named?

... James Parkinson, a British doctor, first described the disease in a report entitled "An Essay on Shaking Palsy" in 1817.

Question 3 of 21

Worldwide, how many people suffer from Parkinson's disease?

... One million people in the United States currently have the disease, and 50,000 to 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, placing the worldwide estimate somewhere between 4 million and 6 million sufferers.

Question 4 of 21

Why is Parkinson's disease considered a neurodegenerative disorder?

... Over time, neurons or brain cells become damaged, which causes motor skills to decline.

Question 5 of 21

What is the chemical in the brain that relays messages to control movement?

... Proper levels of dopamine in the brain enable our movements to be smooth and coordinated.

Question 6 of 21

What is Braak's hypothesis?

... The earliest signs of Parkinson's are found in the part of the nervous system that controls your sense of smell and other non-motor skills, suggesting that progression of the disease may be stopped earlier.

Question 7 of 21

What symptom that is easily confused with a cold or flu may actually be a warning sign of Parkinson's disease?

... An early sign of Parkinson's disease may be a softening or lowering of the voice.

Question 8 of 21

Which is NOT a warning sign for Parkinson's disease?

... Tremors are the most well-recognized sign, but a sudden change in the size of handwriting and a blank or serious face are other reasons to see a doctor.

Question 9 of 21

When do the symptoms affecting motor skills generally appear?

... Parkinson's is a degenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people -- symptoms often don't manifest until 60 to 80 percent of the important dopamine cells have suffered damage.

Question 10 of 21

How do doctors determine if a person has Parkinson's disease?

... A detailed neurological examination, as well as a medical history and physical exam, are what doctors use to diagnose Parkinson's disease. Brain scans and blood tests may be used to rule out other medical conditions.

Question 11 of 21

What is the average age of a person receiving a Parkinson's disease diagnosis?

... The average age of a patient to find out he or she has Parkinson's disease is 62. When a patient is diagnosed before age 50, it is called Young-Onset PD.

Question 12 of 21

Besides the early age at which it is contracted, how does Young-Onset Parkinson's disease differ from the more common form?

... It is believed that almost half of Young-Onset Parkinson's disease patients have the Parkin 9 gene.

Question 13 of 21

What is the cure for Parkinson's disease?

... Because there is no cure for the disease and each patient is different, treatment is directed at the most bothersome symptoms, using medication, physical and occupational therapies and even surgery.

Question 14 of 21

When is deep brain stimulation (DBS) used on Parkinson's patients?

... Doctors turn to DBS when a patient's symptoms cannot be controlled with medication.

Question 15 of 21

Why is a healthy diet crucial for Parkinson's patients?

... Healthy eating helps bones stay strong, thus decreasing the likelihood of a fracture if you fall. It also helps fight constipation, which is common with Parkinson's disease.

Question 16 of 21

Which is NOT a complementary or alternative medicine used to treat Parkinson's disease?

... Some patients gain relief from approved complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), such as acupressure, acupuncture, massage and meditation.

Question 17 of 21

What is the best way to deal with a Parkinson's disease diagnosis?

... It's impossible to have a positive mental attitude all the time, but exercising the mind and body, seeking support, eliminating stress and communicating with others will help.

Question 18 of 21

What child actor was diagnosed in 1991 with Young-Onset Parkinson's disease?

... Heading a foundation for Parkinson's research is Michael J. Fox, star of the 80s sit-com "Family Ties." Since disclosing his condition in 1998, he has raised much-needed funds and awareness for the disease.

Question 19 of 21

What area of biomedical research holds promise in terms of being a treatment rather than a mask for Parkinson's disease symptoms?

... Stem cell research has the potential to provide relief and transform the lives of people with Parkinson's.

Question 20 of 21

How has Alzheimer's disease research aided in the research about Parkinson's disease?

... In 2003, a group of scientists and executives from the drug and medical field embarked on a collaborative effort to find the biological markers that show the progression of Alzheimer's disease in the human brain. Using the model of sharing data and findings, the Michael J. Fox Foundation is funding a $40 million project to look for biomarkers for Parkinson's.

Question 21 of 21

How can the trend toward shared medical check-ups benefit Parkinson's patients?

... Not only does the doctor benefit, the patients can exchange and share ideas and insights about what works. Furthermore, doctors can educate the entire group at once on Parkinson's topics of interest.

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