About Parkinson's Disease (PD)
What is PD?
PD is a brain disorder that causes a variety of movement problems, including:
- shaking (tremor)
- difficulty walking
- muscle stiffness or aching
- slowness of movement
- small handwriting
- decreased facial expression
People Living with Parkinson’s
- As many as 100,000 people in Canada have PD.
- PD usually develops after age 50; only 15% of people diagnosed with PD are under the age of 40.
- PD affects slightly more men than women
Movement and coordination in the body are controlled in part by a chemical in the brain called dopamine. In PD, dopamine-producing nerve cells are damaged, gradually reducing dopamine levels in the parts of the brain thought to control movement. Without dopamine, the brain doesn't send signals to the muscles so that they can function properly.
The cause of PD is still unknown. Many researches believe it may be caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors, such as exposure to certain toxins.
The only once-daily treatment for Parkinson's disease, approved for both the early and more advanced stages of the disease. For additional support and information about Parkinson’s disease and Azilect, visit ParkinsonOnline.ca.