Shaken: Coping with Parkinson Disease

Parkinsons Disease is a chronic, disabling illness that has affected between500,000 to 1.2 million people in the United States. Cells that producethe neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain die and do not regenerate inpeople with PD. As a result, people with Parkinsons Disease suffer from a rangeof symptoms involving muscle movement. These symptoms may include tremors,problems with walking and balance, rigid muscles, an immobile facial expression,and diminished speaking volume. Sometimes cognitive diffi culties develop.