Parkinson's Disease

Nerve cells use a brain chemical called dopamine to help control muscle movement. With Parkinson disease, the brain cells that make dopamine slowly die. Without dopamine, the cells that control movement can't send proper messages to the muscles. This makes it hard to control the muscles. Slowly, over time, this damage gets worse. No one knows exactly why these brain cells waste away.

Parkinson disease most often develops after age 50. It is one of the most common nervous system problems in older adults.

• The disease tends to affect men more than women, although women also develop the disease. Parkinson disease sometimes runs in families.
• The disease can occur in younger adults. In such cases, it is often due to the person's genes.
• Parkinson disease is rare in children.

Parkinson's Support Group

Parkinson’s Support Group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments are served.

Location

Owensboro Church of Christ
3300 Highway 144
Owensboro KY 42303

Parking is available behind the church, off East 6th Street.