Disorders

Parkinson Disease

• What is Parkinson Disease?
• Study Participation Details
• Additional Resources

What is Parkinson Disease?
Parkinson disease (PD) is a movement disorder. In PD, the parts of the brain controlling smoothness and ease of movement slowly begin to lose proper function. The first symptoms often include dragging a leg or foot, trembling hand, and slowness or stiffness in movement. Later symptoms include problems with balance.

Parkinson disease is progressive. Medications can improve the symptoms, but cannot yet cure or reliably slow progression of the disorder.

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Study Participation Details

CHG PD Research Coordinators

Jeffrey M. Stajich, PA-C

Clinical Coordinator

We are looking for two types of families to participate in PD research studies:

Any individual diagnosed with PD who also has a living first-, second-, or third-degree relative (sibling, cousin, niece, nephew, aunt or uncle) also diagnosed with PD who would also be willing to participate.

Any individual diagnosed with PD who also has at least one living sibling not diagnosed or has both parents still living not diagnosed with PD who would be willing to participate.

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Additional Resources
PD Support Groups and Information Sources

American Parkinson Disease Association
135 Parkinson Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
Phone: (718) 981-8001; (800) 223-2732
Fax: (718) 981-4399
E-Mail: apda@apdaparkinson.org

National Parkinson Foundation
1501 N.W. 9th Avenue/Bob Hope Road
Miami, FL 33136-1494
Phone: (305) 243-6666, (800) 327-4545
Fax: (305) 243-5595
E-Mail: contact@parkinson.org

Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Inc.
1359 Broadway, Suite 1509
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 923-4700
Fax: (212) 923-4778
E-mail: info@pdf.org

Center for Human Genetics Contact
Jeffrey M. Stajich, MA, PA-C
E-mail: jeffrey.stajich@duke.edu

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