What is Parkinson's Disease?

In the third edition of The Michael J. Fox Foundation's whiteboard video series, Dr. Rachel Dolhun, movement disorder specialist and vice president of medical communications, breaks down the basics of Parkinson’s disease.


We gratefully acknowledge the Steering Committee members of our 2016 Disease Education Consortium and The Albert B. Glickman Parkinson’s Disease Education Program, whose sponsorship allows us to create and distribute materials such as the “What is Parkinson’s disease?” video while preserving our track record of efficiency in stewarding donor-raised contributions for maximum impact on Parkinson’s drug development. Sponsorship support does not influence MJFF’s content perspective or panelist selection.

[paultaylor]

My eldest sister just died of it today rip Mary love you

[dagoblinmuhammada]

When i hear abt parkingson's i think of muhammad ali... Rest in peace GOAT🔥👑

[SardonischerDean]

My dad has recently been diagnosed with Parkinsons. He's deteriating so quickly. I hate seeing him like this. 😢 😔

[nikoxxx]

my father past away a week ago. he diagnosed with pd since he was 40. the most heartbreaking thing i saw in life is to see him deteriorating so badly that he couldn't walk without falling every few minutes and could not talk properly until no one could understand him And he could not control his jaw and would drool endlessly.even though he became a shell of his former self he never complained. he fought through everything. He fought to live another day.he was so strong but the combination of pd and covid 19 that he got in nursing home was too much.. he even overcame covid after 2 weeks which he was sedated and ventilated.He recovered but got pneumonia and a hole in his lung.and he couldn't fight anymore.he was a true hero.i'm so sad. he suffered so much.he didn't saw anything good in his life just fought to survive.r.i.p. father. i will carry on your legacy to hold on to life and fight everything and never surrender

[donnagrimaldi]

My husband has PD and he recently contracted Covid. It exacerbated his PD condition and he is now in the hospital. I enjoyed your video, just not the annoying music. Thank you.

[RAVENMoonTarot]

I'm so worried about my father please God let him be ok

[nica]

I know someone who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's. It changed him so much, he used to love going outside and spent his time with his garden just outside his house but now he rarely goes out and just stays in their home all day. That saddens me that disorder could really change a lively person to someone aloof. So, thank you for this informative video! I also liked that you mentioned that the treatment for PD isn't really a cure and doesn't stop the disorder from progressing but is something that will help the patient ease the symptoms.

[rennard]

My grandmother diagnosed of Parkinson's disease in 2012. She died last 2019. I have seen how she deteriorates... From her weight, symptoms and movements. Even her eating habits changed. She was then had contraptions / tubes attached to her stomach. I am her nurse then....

I miss you grandma. ❤️

[babybear]

I'm glad he's an advocate for research and he's a great spokesperson. I was a kid in the '80s so I grew up on Growing Pains, Teenwolf and Back to The Future. I always liked Michael because he's always been down to earth and came off as someone that would be a great friend. Movies like Back to The Future made me feel like anything was possible.

[TheEuroboss]

My grandma died last Friday. She had Parkinson’s. Her funeral was today. I’m watching this to understand it more

[fhlosif]

TRACKING improvement

FIRST STEP: a UPDRS test, a push test with video, a walking and turning test with video, a talking test with video and possibly a writing test with video, standing from seated on hard back chair video with your arms crossed. These videos are kept on file to be used for comparison with future videos. This is a fairly accurate means of documenting improvements over time as it is actually fairly easy for some people to not realize how much they have improved over time.

[nathanchoi]

My Grandfather died from A Typical Parkinsons. I hated to see him suffering and when he died, I burst into tears but I was happy he wasn't in pain anymore.

[AudreyDeslauriers-kovz]

I'm so sorry for your mom passing. I'm up in Canada, and each day I looked forward to your video. Your mom had the most wonderful smile, it was so warm and friendly and seen the love in her eyes. My Mom died in 1989, I pray that the good Lord will give you and Bob the peace of mind and heart, that He so lovingly gives
I ll keep checking to see your videos. Thanks for sharing your Wonderful Mom and Dad, bless your heart. Sincerely Audrey D.

[crystalbelle]

Thank you SO much. I’m almost 60 and was diagnosed a little over 2 years ago and already had arthritis that had taken me out of work in 2004, several allergies so am high mileage classic determined to stay alive as long as God permits. A bad gallbladder almost took me on out last winter as docs though my PD was killing my appetite and making my food come back up until it showed on an ultrasound when I was down to 73 pounds. Was literally starving to death here in the land of milk and honey LoL. Hospice came in bc I became too weak to shower and live alone & Medicare doesn’t cover an Aid unless we working class are dying, but at this point I was. Once surgery was scheduled, hospice left the day before my surgery and my only child and his family stayed with the night after. Surgeon said I should be fine after that. Weighed 71 without the gallbladder haha! Figured my weight would be back by Christmas bc my appetite sure was! Malnutrition sure does damage everywhere, even emotionally. Next month makes a year and I now weigh 83. Learned it is as difficult to gain weight as it is to lose weight. Likely losing each calorie as soon as I gain it due to doing laundry, self maintenance, although not as good at any of these things as I’m use to, in a catch 22. Was VERY happy to find this place for info! 😀👍
Tried APDA, gave them my info, and started getting solicited for funds for research! Duh. Unless they want a lab rat I can’t help them haha! Medical bills take my money so yes, I definitely called them to stop automated calls and sending me their flyers. My thumb and eyes are done for. Just wanted to introduce myself and thank you all for this informative place. GBU all, providers of information and fellow Parkinson’s sufferers. I’d like to share a line I made up to keep repeating to myself as a reminder, to stay positive, to hopefully help someone else:

I have Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s does not have me.

There is a difference and I’m not allowing that to change. Have a great weekend ahead. ✨♥️✨

[stormysamreen]

Who is here from Muhammad Ali and Michael J Fox?

[lorrialsot]

My husband just turned 55 has had it for 10 years. Now just recently he had to stop working I keep him busy best thing for people with pd is physical activity.
I pray they find a cure soon!

[andrewgreif]

I’m worried about my Grandma who has this disease I’m watching her deteriorate before my eyes and it’s the hardest thing to watch 😞

[sandeepvanapalli]

My dad is suffering now..he made me cry😭😭😭

[Raven-kvmb]

Thank-you, Michael J. Fox!! You are an ANGEL for fighting against this hideous disease, that robs people of their enjoyment of life!! When my Dad developed Parkinson's, they treated him for dementia 🤔. His mind was sharp and clear, but his body failed him!! I still cry when I remember how active and vital he was, and then to see the frustration in his eyes when he couldn't do all he used to!! Just THANK-YOU for fighting this cruel disease!!

[khaylacinco]

I don’t have Parkinson’s diseases nor any symptoms associated with this kind of disorder as well as my family and I thank god for that. I’m already familiar with this kind of diseases but I’m glad that I have stumble upon this very informative and helpful video. I learned new interesting facts about what Parkinson Diseases really are, also the do’s and don’ts associated with it. I knew now that Parkinson’s disease have no specific reason why it exist but genetic and the environmental factors may play a role about it. I love how the speaker mentioned that the treatment for Parkinson’s disease isn’t a cure but rather it will only help to ease and lessen the occurring of symptoms and to avoid the disease to get worse over time.