RESEARCH at MCW
The Medical College of Wisconsin has numerous research projects that focus on neuroscience including ALS and Parkinson's. Dr. Allison Ebert's research uses stem cells and disease modeling to study spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and muscular dystrophy. Details of her research are found at this link.
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http://www.mcw.edu/Cell-Biology/Allison-Ebert-PhD.htm
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In addition, Dr. Cecilia Hillard leads the neuroscience research center. Details are shared at: http://www.mcw.edu/Neuroscience-Research-Center.htm
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WHAT IS PARKINSON'S
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The medical part of Parkinson's is easy to define, however the daily impact on patients greatly varies. Here are some facts.
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1. Parkinson's is a neurological disorder that is caused by a reduction in the brain's production of dopamine.
2. The lack of dopamine impacts the person's ability to regulate movements and emotions.
3. Parkinson's progresses slowly. It takes years to develop symptoms.
4. Parkinson's can be genetic or caused by an envirionmental factor.
5. Both motor and non-motor symptoms may be evident.
6. There is a separate dignosis for young onset, which I have.
7. There is no cure for Parkinson's. There are medications that treat the symptoms, but each patient is unique and responds differently.
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For more detail, here is a website that I feel is clearly written and aligns with my life with Parkinson's.
http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons
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