In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Parkinson Society of Canada.

What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which involves the loss of cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. These cells are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine which acts as a messenger between the brain cells that control movement. It is estimated that by the time the diagnosis is made, approximately 80% of dopamine-producing cells have already stopped functioning. The resulting significant decrease in dopamine leads to the appearance of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 Canadians have Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms generally appear around age 60, although it can present in much younger people. The number of cases increases with age. Parkinson’s affects 1% of the population over age 65 and increases to 2% in the population aged 70 and older. Generally, regardless of the age at which the disease appears, the symptoms are quite similar, although certain differences are recognized when it starts before age forty. It seems that dystonia (involuntary muscle contraction) is more frequent in younger people and that the motor fluctuations and dyskinesia (involuntary movements) associated with levodopa treatment appear much earlier in this group. On the other hand, trembling is less common in younger people and cognitive disorders (memory impairment, concentration difficulties) are also more rare. The Parkinson Society of Canada is a not for profit, national charitable organization. The Society raises money through corporate sponsorships, public donations, and planned gifts. Finding the cause and cure for Parkinson's disease remains our chief mission. However, while we wait for answers, we must not forget the patients and caregivers. New publications, increased patient conferences, clinical assistance programs, as well as other projects also require your support and funding. While we have come a long way towards raising Parkinson's disease in the consciousness of Canadians, we have more to do. We must do more and can do more, with your help. Your support is crucial. Canadian research into the nature and cure for Parkinson's has contributed to astounding discoveries, and for the first time researchers can see a day when we will see a cure for Parkinson's. Your commitment can make all the difference. Mission statement Parkinson Society Canada is the national voice of Canadians living with Parkinson's. Our purpose is to ease the burden and find a cure through research, education, advocacy and support services. La Société Parkinson Canada est le porte-parole national des canadiens vivant avec la maladie de Parkinson. Notre objectif est d'offrir un appui aujourd'hui et de trouver une réponse pour demain par la recherché, l'éducation, la défense des intérêts et les services de soutien.