About half a million Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease every year. Parkinson's is a chronic neurological disorder with symptoms most commonly present in people ages 50 and older, though recent trends have shown an increase in the number of people ages 40 and younger who have developed the disease. Public awareness of and interest in Parkinson's disease have never been greater due to the number of public figures such as Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox, and Janet Reno who are living with the disease. It is also at the center of the controversy surrounding stem cell research. ""The A to Z of Parkinson's Disease"" presents the most current information pertaining to the complex issues and news-making topics relating to this disease, including etiology, symptoms, treatments, medications, surgeries, research, medical terms, coping and caregiving, living with Parkinson's disease, and much more. More than 600 accessible entries cover aspects of the medical, scientific, social, and lifestyle implications of Parkinson's disease. Appendixes include an extensive bibliography, a directory of key support groups and organizations, a glossary, and other valuable resources.
