PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that currently affects about 0.5 million people in the U.S. The disorder is characterized by nerve cell loss in a region of the brain associated with coordination of movement. The condition results in learning and memory deficits and a profound movement disorder with tremors and progressive rigidity. A number of drugs are currently available which treat the symptoms of the disorder but do not affect the underlying neurodegeneration.