Introduction to PD

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder of the brain that results from a loss of cells that produce dopamine.

Parkinson’s disease affects over 1.5 million people in the United States. Symptoms usually appear when a person is older than 50.  PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly.  (Alzheimer's is the most common.)  About 10 to 20 percent of people develop PD before the age of 50, which is called "Young Onset" PD. 

This section, "Introduction to PD," is the place to start if you are new to PD. This section provides:

Following are links to the major sections of the Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach website: