One of the most mysterious and complex neurological disorders to afflict mankind, Parkinson's disease was first described in 1817 by British physician James Parkinson, who identified its major symptoms and called it "the shaking palsy." Research progressed slowly until the early 1960s, when scientific discoveries linked the disease to the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine - a chemical which helps control muscle activity. This in turn led to the first successful treatment for Parkinson's and pointed researchers in the direction of other therapies. Unlike many other afflictions that manifest themselves later in life, Parkinson's disease is neither contagious nor, in most cases, inherited. A chronic, progressive, motor system disorder, it has four primary symptoms: tremors or shaking of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face; stiffness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk; excessive slowness of movement, a condition called bradykinesia; and instability, poor balance and loss of coordination. These symptoms become more pronounced as the disease progresses, and patients ultimately experience difficulty with such simple tasks as walking and speaking. The disease is one of a group of similar disorders called parkinsonism, all of which are related to the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. The most common of these, Parkinson's disease is also known as primary parkinsonism or idiopathic Parkinson's disease, because it has no known cause. The other forms of parkinsonism either have known or suspected causes, or occur as secondary symptoms of other neurological disorders.
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- The Greenes of Western Australia Detailed information about this disease by Dennis Greene, a member of the Parkinson's Information Exchange Network. He has included some of his poetry and a look at the family history is also provided.
- Parkinson's Disease PD is a degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disorder. A discussion about the disorder, the symptoms and treatments of this disease.
- Martin's Web Site A personal story with links to information about parkinson's disease and other health related issues.
- Parkinson's Unity Walk Annual event in New York City's Central Park, to increase awareness of PD and to raise funds for research. Register online to participate or support a walker.
- Study of Anti Depressants in Parkinson's Disease A National Institute of Health research study of anti-depressant medication in patients with PD, conducted at several medical centers throughout the United States and Canada by the University of Rochester.
- Forum: Qualitative Social Research Articles reports about a qualitative study about information needs of older people with Parkinson's disease (PD). In German, English and Spanish.
- Parkinson's Recovery Project Dedicated to dissemination of information regarding Parkinson's disease treatments which use techniques of Asian medicine. Find patient information, handbook updates, publications and other resources.
- BBC: Brain 'cannabis' Parkinson's hope Boosting the brain's natural cannabis-like chemicals could help treat Parkinson's disease, a study suggests.
- BBC: Parkinson's therapy trial success An initial trial of gene therapy treatment in the US for Parkinson's patients is hailed a success.
- BBC: Depression risk with Parkinson's Over 80% of people with Parkinson's disease frequently experience depression, a European survey finds.
- BBC: Parkinson's 'targets cell boiler' Parkinson's disease may cripple the energy-producing centre of cells, research suggests.
- BBC: Activity 'cuts Parkinson's risk' Physical activity may decrease the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, research suggests.
- Viartis Independent and self funded medical researchers specializing in PD, based in London, England. Parkinson's Disease history, treatment, diagnosis, causes, toxic causes, genetic causes, parkinsonism, symptoms, biochemistry, prevalence, famous people, strange facts, and organizations.
- Parkinson's Hope Provides information and resources to help you learn more about Parkinson’s disease and how to manage its symptoms. From GlaxoSmithKline.
- “I don’t want to be hidden away” The BBC reports on Jacqueline Narnor, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in her late twenties.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Parkinson's disease information sheet.
- Parkinson's Disease - Hope Through Research An informational booklet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
- Parkinsons Recovery Natural methods and therapies said to help find relief from Parkinson’s Disease.
- WebMD Parkinson's Disease Center A consumer health site for Parkinson's Disease, includes news and a caregiver section.
- BBC Medical Notes The BBC reports that John Crossley-Stanbury started with the symptoms of Parkinson’s at the age of just 19, but he says people will not believe he has it, because he is so young.
- NHS Choices: Parkinson's Disease Provides information on this long-term neurological condition. Includes a short video and details of symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, complications and prevention.
- Mayo Clinic: Parkinson's Disease A description of the condition, as well as drug and surgical treatment.
- Patient: Parkinsonism and Parkinson's Disease Factsheet on this chronic neurological disorder, including its pathogenesis, epidemiology, presentation, differential diagnosis, investigation, management and prognosis.
- MedlinePlus: Parkinson's Disease Provides an overview of basic information including news articles, research developments and links to other web sites.