Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive degenerative neurological disorder affecting more than 1.5 million Americans. Men and women alike are affected, and although the highest incidence is in those over 60 years old, an alarming number of cases under 65 is being documented yearly.
PD is characterized by slowness in movement, difficulty walking, posture instability, rigidity or stiffness of arms, legs or neck, and tremors, mostly in the hands at rest. Secondary symptoms may include depression, confusion, difficulty in speaking and/or swallowing, and facial "masking."
