April: Parkinson's Awareness Month

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

 April, a time when spring is in the air, is also Parkinson's Awareness Month.  It's estimated that nearly 1 million people suffer from Parkinson's in the US alone, with such notable names as Michael J. Fox and Muhammed Ali being readily recognizable.  The following is some simple information about a complex disease:
 Just what is Parkinson's?   The disease occurs when a group of brain cells that produce the chemical dopamine, begin to malfunction and die.  This affects the brains ability to control movement in the body.  The disease is chronic and progressive, with no known cure.  The cause is unknown, but medication and treatment is available to manage it.
 Why raise awareness?  It's very likely that you know someone that has been affected by Parkinson's.  As our society ages, the number of Parkinson's suffers is expected to grow.  In fact, the number of people dying from the disease has quadrupled in the last 20 years.
 What can you do?  Educate yourself.  The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is a great website that provides easily understood information.  Likewise for the American Parkinson's Disease Association and The National Parkinson's Foundation.  As research continues to discover more about the cause, prevention and treatment move closer to a cure.  Get involved and help raise awareness!