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 Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments are served.

Location

Owensboro Health Medical Office Building, Rooms 5 & 6
1301 Pleasant Valley Road
Owensboro, KY 42303

Valet Parking is available.

To learn more about the Parkinson’s Support Group, please call 270-417-2914 for more information.