Parkinson's Disease Fast Facts Series

Parkinson's disease, first described by James Parkinson in 1817, is one of the most important disabling conditions of later life. It is estimated to effect 1 percent of all 70-year-olds, but is also seen in younger people, with 10 percent of cases occurring before the age of 50. Care of patients with Parkinson's disease requires many different health care professionals to work together as a team, and research into parkinsonism continues at an ever increasing pace. Patients need to be reassured that those involved in their care have access to reliable information and that the treatment and care they receive is the best available. The aim of Fast Facts - Parkinson's Disease is to provide doctors, nurses and therapists with the up-to-date information they require to improve the lives of their patients with Parkinson's disease and its related disorders. Kapil D Sethi is Professor of Neurology at the Medical College of Georgia, and director of the Movement Disorders Clinic and co-director of the Chemodenervation Clinic.