Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the dopamine producing neurons in the brain. The disease is often present for years before diagnosis. By the time a person is diagnosed, they may have already lost 80% of their dopamine producing neurons. While Parkinson's Disease can be treated with medication, exercise, and surgery, there is no cure.

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Most people living with Parkinson's Disease are over 65, but there are a large number of people 50 and younger with "Early or Young Onset" Parkinson's. Men are about 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson's than women. There are nearly 900 people in Frederick County Maryland living with Parkinson's Disease.

The first symptom many people experience is loss of sense of smell. They may develop a tremor on one side. Maybe a finger or a leg. As the disease progresses, people may have problems with rigidity, slow movement, balance, quiet speech, swallowing, constipation, eye problems, anxiety, and depression. People have trouble walking and may use a cane, walker, or wheelchair.

Since Parkinson's Disease is caused by a lack of dopamine, doctors often prescribe a medication that replaces the missing dopamine. Almost as important as medication is exercise. Two and a half hours of exercise a week has been shown to help control the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. A physical therapist, occupational therapist, or a senior fitness professional can help develop an appropriate exercise program. Walking, hiking, dance, cycling and even boxing training has been shown to help. Several local organizations provide exercise programs for people with Parkinson's Disease including the YMCA, Maryland Association for Parkinson's Support and the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area.