1. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes movement problems including tremors and slowed movement. 2. It occurs when certain nerve cells in the brain don't produce enough of the chemical dopamine. 3. Famous actor Michael J. Fox founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 in order to fund research to find better treatments and a cure.

1. RAD SOUND presents:
Parkinson’s
Disease
Michael J. Fox
Nam Nguyen ◆ Haley Howard ◆ Yolanda Alvarez ◆ Cheryl Nuckles, Miranda Mcvicker ◆
Nermin Dodic ◆ Edlene Capistrano ◆ Gretchen Cain

2. History of Parkinson’s Disease
•
Ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda referred to it as Kampavata. Kampa is a Sanskrit
word for tremors.
•
AD175: In Western medicine, physician Galen described it as “shaking palsy.”
•
1817: James Parkinson published a medical essay titled “an essay on the Shaking Palsy.”
•
60 years after that essay was published: Jean Martin Charcot, a French Neurologist named
the disease after James Parkinson. Jean-Martin Charcot and his colleagues are responsible
for much of the advancement and understanding the disease.
•
1940’s and 1950’s: Neurosurgeons began performing brain surgery that resulted in
improvements of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
•
1960’s: Researcher’s identified differences in the brains of people with PD that were
associated with low levels of dopamine.
–
•
Levodopa was the best treatment that was available in the 1960s and is still being used today.
Today: Alternative treatments are being researched in order to move forward in improving
quality of life and in finding a cure for this disease.

3. Diagnosis
•
Neurologists can take a neurological history or the patient,
and perform an examination.
•
There are no standard diagnostic tests for this disease, so the
diagnosis depends on the physical exam findings and the
clinical information provided by the patient.
•
The purpose any further testing would be to eliminate other
disease options that imitate Parkinson’s disease, like strokes
or hydrocephalus.
•
Researchers are working on developing an accurate blood
test or brain imaging scan for the disease.

4. Treatment
•
Medications can help manage problems with walking,
movement and tremor by increasing the brain’s supply of
dopamine. Effectiveness varies by patient.
► Carbidopa-
levodopa (Parcopa)
► Dopamine agonists
► MAO B inhibitors
► Catechol O-methyltransferase
► (COMT) inhibitors
► Anticholinergics
► Amantadine
•
Surgery may be an option for some patients, although it
does not cure the disease, it may help ease symptoms.

5. Signs & Symptoms
• Tremor: shaking
– Often begins in your hands/fingers.
• Bradykinesia: slowed movement
– Overtime, it might reduce your ability to move and slow your movement
making simple tasks difficult.
•
Ex. Steps become shorter when you walk, getting out of a chair, feet may stick to floor.
• Rigid muscles: muscle stiffness
– Can limit your range of motion, causing pain.
• Impaired posture & balance: posture may become stooped,
balance difficulties
• Loss of automatic movements: decreased ability to perform
unconscious moments
– Ex. Blinking, smiling, swinging your arms while walking
• Speech changes: speech problems
– May speak softly, quickly, hesitation. Speech may become monotone
• Writing changes: writing may appear small and become more
difficult

6. Prognosis
1. Parkinson’s Disease is both chronic and progressive
● persists over a long period of time (chronic)
● symptoms grow worse over time (progressive)
2. If treated with medications:
● Patients respond differently to medication
● Life expectancy is normal to near normal
3. If left untreated:
● all brain functions deteriorate
● early death
4. Complications associated with Parkinson’s that can lead to
severe injury or death
● choking
● pneumonia
● falls

7. Living with PD
• Managing your nutrition and medications
• Exercising or engaging in self fulfilling activities,
such as tai-chi or painting
• Getting enough sleep; taking naps would be
beneficial
• Consulting a occupational, physical, and/or
speech therapist, along with a nutritionist could
help with coping.

8. Michael J. Fox and PD
•
Fox was diagnosed with PD in 1991 and campaigned for
increased PD research in 1998.
•
Fox launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation of
Parkinson’s Research in 2000, which is today’s largest
non-profit funder of Parkinson’s drug development in the
world.
•
His foundation focuses on treatments that can slow, stop
or reverse the progression of PD.
•
The foundation raised over $350 million in research.

9. Michael J. Fox and PD (2)
• MJFF focuses on 4 priority areas each with a
specific investment percentage:




Altering Disease- 52%
Defining PD- 22%
Untreated Symptoms- 18%
Tools- 8%
• Michael J. Fox and his foundation in dedicated to
accelerating a cure and improving the lives of those
living with Parkinson’s Disease.

10. Public Awareness
•
Public awareness of PD
increased after Fox was
diagnosed in 1991.
•
Team Fox is The Michael J Fox
foundations community initiative
to help raise funds and
awareness for Parkinson’s
research.
•
Through newsletters; the Fox
Focus keeps supporters updated
on Parkinson’s research.
•
Podcast series was launched on
Parkinson’s science in 2010.

11. Funding
•
Before Fox, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (1957)
funded over $140 million towards research, education and
advocacy of PD.
•
Michael J. Fox Foundation (2000) has increased funding for
PD research.
►$350 million have been invested in PD research.
►$50 million raised and spent each year.
•
Michael J. Fox’s celebrity status has increased awareness
and funding for the disease.