Sarasota, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/12/2010 -- Over 1 million Americans are have Parkinson’s disease. This April, the Parkinson Research Foundation (PRF) wants the American public to know just how difficult it is to live with Parkinson’s disease.

Whether it is walking, eating, or getting dressed, everything takes more time, more effort and planning. This debilitating disease often robes its victims of long-lasting careers. It can deprive them of independence and disrupts their lifestyle, as well as their families.

“Momentum is very important during the course of striving to meet difficult challenges, said Parkinson Research Foundation Chairman, Lawrence Hoffheimer. He also said, “Each Parkinson organization approaches the many issues involved in treating and caring for patients and the areas of research to support, differently. This attracts more minds and innovative ideas working to solve these complex problems.”
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects over 1 million Americans. The most common symptoms are tremor, slowness, balance problems, and muscle rigidity. PD is a progressive neurological disorder that results from degeneration of neurons in a region of the brain that controls movement. This degeneration creates a shortage of the brain signaling chemical (neurotransmitter) known as dopamine, causing movement impairments that characterize the disease.

The average age of onset is 57, but can affect people at a much younger age.

“Our goal is to help improve the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s disease,” says Lawrence Hoffheimer.

If you’re interested in learning different ways you can get involved and help raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease, here are some ideas. Each year we produce educational programs which include semi-annual cruises and conferences. Our next cruise will take place September 25th, 2010 to Alaska and the conference will be April 24th,2010 at the Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel in Tampa, FL.

There are many other ways you can help such as volunteering, sponsoring events, and donating directly to the foundation. PRF is coordinating exciting upcoming fundraising events; on April 17th we have our Fun Walk and wellness festival at Ballast Point Park in Tampa, Fl and April 19th,2010 is the Taste the World Golf Tournament and food festival at Hunter’s Green Country Club in Tampa, Fl.

For more information about the Parkinson Research Foundation or to find out how you can participate in our upcoming events, please log onto http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org