The mission of the Madden/National Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease at The Ohio State University since its inception in 1994 has been to seek out the causes and cures for Parkinson’s Disease. The philosophy of the Center is to provide exceptional medical care, new treatments, education and social support services by working cooperatively with community organizations and other healthcare facilities to create a "center without walls". Medical care includes conventional treatments, as well as industry sponsored investigational drug trials for Parkinson's disease. These trials enable patients to access treatment options that would not be otherwise available in the Ohio Valley region.

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What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD or, simply, Parkinson's) is the most common form of parkinsonism, a group of motor system disorders. It is a slowly progressing, degenerative disease that is usually associated with the following symptoms, all of which result from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells:

Facts about Parkinson's disease:

It is incorrectly believed that Parkinson's disease disappeared after the introduction of levodopa (L-dopa) in the 1960s. In fact, about 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year, with more than half a million Americans affected at any one time. Further, more people suffer from Parkinson's disease than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis combined.

What causes Parkinson's disease (PD)?

The specific cause of PD is unknown, however, medical experts believe the symptoms are related to a chemical imbalance in the brain caused by brain-cell death. Parkinson's disease is chronic (persists over a long period of time), and progressive (symptoms grow worse over time).

Although the disease may appear in younger patients (even teenagers), it usually affects people in late middle age. The disease affects men and women in almost equal numbers. It is not contagious, nor is the most common form likely passed on from generation to generation.

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In September another successful “Our Goal is a Cure” Gala was held in support of clinical and research efforts here at the OSU Madden Center for PD. Coach Jim Foster was the honorary Chair of the event and touched all in attendance with his story of personal encounter with Parkinson's disease in his mother. He and Mrs. Foster's enthusiasm for the cause was remarkable. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Fosters. Additionally, we thank the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the event a success and the donors who gave so much of their hearts to show support of our mission.

The 11 th Annual Unity Walk will be held in Manhattan in April 2006 (day to be announced). This is an event that raises money and awareness for PD. It brings together persons from all over the country that are concerned for the fight against this disease. For more information go to the Parkinson's Action Network.