There is no cure and no way to prevent it, but a local group is hoping to make a difference.
Rachel and Jennifer Brous are getting ready to "stamp out" Parkinson's disease. That's the theme of this year's annual walk supporting Parkinson's disease research. It's a condition that struck their mom Lori in 2004.
"The first symptom was shaking in my leg and actually it was this finger that would shake," explained Lori Jaffe-Brous.
At the time, Lori's kids were still in school. She loved being a mom, and also loved being a special education teacher.
"I was really in heaven, I had big slices of heaven in my life," said Lori.
So Lori says she tried to ignore her condition, but the symptoms got worse, and she had to stop working.
"I was devastated, I was really devastated," Lori said.
She now uses a walker for balance and takes several medications throughout the day.
Neurologist Dr. Matthew Stern says the medications help with tremors, but Parkinson's comes with many other symptoms, such as thinking and memory problems, and issues with movement.
"It's really these other features that become more difficult for patients and families," said Dr. Matthew Stern.
"My feet freeze. Sometimes I go to move and I don't," said Lori.
Dr. Stern says research is focusing on treatment and prevention, and local walks such as the upcoming one in Philadelphia help fund local studies at Penn and Jefferson. They also help patients get the care they need.
"People don't think these things don't have an impact. They have a major impact," says Dr. Stern.
Lori's husband is hoping something can slow down the disease.
"Then move on to maybe curing it and reversing it," said Mark Brous.
Lori is just hoping to raise awareness and help other patients. For her family, the walk brings hope.
"You feel like you are on a team, and you know you are doing something good," said Jennifer Brous.
Last year's walk was hosted by our own David Murphy. He will be hosting again this year.
If you'd like to join him, the Parkinson's Walk will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Lloyd Hall on Kelly Drive. Registration begins at 8:00am.
For more information, click the link below.
http://walk.theparkinsoncouncil.org/