MAIN Health Diseases Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neuromuscular breakdown resulting in the body losing control of the muscles. It begins with slight tremors and eventually progresses to vital functions over a period of time.

In the U.S. alone, 500,000 people suffer with the condition with thousands more diagnosed every year.

The most debilitating aspect of the disease is the loss of the brain chemical dopamine, which leaves nerve cells unable to direct or control muscle movements in a normal way.

Although there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, the drug L-dopa successfully replaces dopamine and replenishes the brain's dwindling supply while delaying debilitating symptoms.

Parkinson's disease has been receiving a lot of attention lately due to studies showing the link between Parkinson's disease and pesticide use.

Another suspected chemical link is seen in "Welder's Disease" which is thought to be an early onset of Parkinson's. Exposure to manganese - contained in welding rod fumes - may lead to an increased risk of developing PD, according to researchers.

Ongoing studies continue to add even more infomation to causes & prevention, and may lead to better diagnose and treatment of Parkinson's disease in the hope of an eventual cure ...

WE MOVE - Parkinson's Disease - Excellent learning resources with an overview and information on Parkinson's disease, symptoms, risk factors, environmental causes, genetics, diagnosis and treatment, drugs used to treat PD, experimental therapies, non-drug treatments, with related chat and forum.

National Parkinson Foundation - Funding research for the cure, with a wealth of information that research has discovered. Interactive tests, links, discussion groups, doctor finder, expert advice and more.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation - It is hard to think of anyone who has done more to bring the reality of living with PD into public awareness. The site is a clearinghouse of useful information and research. The Community section will bring you to links and more info.

Parkinson's Disease Society - While most of the links on this site point to UK or Australian sites, the worldwide associations are truly worldwide. Resources within the site are helpful for Parkinson's patients and their families.

PDTrials.org - Database searchable by clinical trial type, symptom and location of current clinical trials that accept volunteers to test drugs and treatments for PD, along with info about benefits and risks, participants rights.

Parkinsonism due to manganism in a welder - An abstract from the International Journal of Toxicology reports on a welder with elevated levels of manganese resulting in a condition with symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Manganese compounds and fume (as Mn) - US Government (CDC) guide to the dangers of exposure to manganese includes recommendations for respirators and symptoms associated with inhaling or ingesting manganese fumes. The symptoms of exposure to manganese fumes - a hazard in welding - include Parkinson's Disease.

Also see -> Dementia | Huntington's Disease

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.