Our Research

The cause of Parkinson's disease is not known. This information is vital to our development of diagnostic tests and treatments to prevent Parkinson's disease, to slow its progression, and to cure it. It is the goal of our research to discover causes of Parkinson's disease.

Overview

The cardinal symptoms and signs of Parkinson's disease are slowness of movement, tremor, and stiffness or rigidity of the limbs. This movement disorder results from a progressive degeneration of the brain, with a selective loss of the brain cells that produce the chemical "dopamine". Roughly two percent of the population will develop Parkinson's disease (lifetime risk). Currently there is no diagnostic test for Parkinson's disease. Physicians make diagnoses based upon a clinical examination.

At autopsy, examination of the brain reveals characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions within degenerating neurons (Lewy bodies), which are the pathologic hallmark of this disease.

The most effective drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease is Sinemet. Its generic name is carbidopa/levodopa. When patients take Sinemet, the symptoms and signs of Parkinson's disease improve due to the restoration of dopamine in the brain.

However, as the disease progresses, medication adjustments and the addition of other medications are often needed, and disabilities accumulate. Persons with Parkinson's disease are at increased risk for nursing home placement and have a reduced life expectancy. While brain surgical treatments for Parkinson's disease are under development, they are of uncertain safety and efficacy and not widely available.