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Parkinson's Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Parkinson's disease?

A paper called the "shaking palsy" by James Parkinson - Click to enlarge in new window.
Click to enlarge image

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. It currently affects about half a million people in the United States, although the numbers may be much higher. Parkinson's disease is both chronic, meaning it lasts for a long time, and progressive, meaning its symptoms grow worse over time. It is not contagious.