prevalence of Parkinson's
 

How is the prevalence of Parkinson's determined? there exists no registry. the CDC does not compile data on PD, as far as I can access--does anyone know how the prevalence is determined, or how I would find the information? thanks in advance, madelyn

Good question!
 

Good question, Madelyn!

There is no national registry. I believe California has, or is in the process of establishing one - California is important because of its size and diversity.

I know that Nebraska has also established one.

A CDC registry is an important missing link. I don't know how prevalence is currently determined (accurately or inaccurately) without one.

The prevalence of Parkinson's Disease
 

This is a summary of the prevalence of Parkinson's Disease based on the entire scientific literature concerning it :



It details where it is most common, least common, the youngest, the oldest, gender differences, occupational differences, how common it is indifferent countries.

The various methods used to determine prevalence differ greatly from country to country.

More Links
 

California registry
http://www.michaeljfox.org/news/arti...p?id=192&sec=1

Nebraska registry
http://www.michaeljfox.org/news/arti...p?id=188&sec=1

California has a registry but it's a work in progress. For example, my neurologists claimed to know nothing about it. But I know other PD patients who have been a part of it.

I also believe the Ali center in Arizona has been working on one for quite some time as well.

Ali Center
 

the one at the Ali center is different - it is randomly self-reported rather than information systematically provided by doctors as required by law.

very interesting.

has there been studies on our (or all countries) millitary who have gotten parkinsons? not just occupation, but where they served, in combat....that type of thing?

Curious -

Not sure what kind of statistics there are, but the Department of Defense is a big spender for Parkinson's research. The Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Research Program (NETRP) is funded in the U.S. Army Military Operational Medicine Research Program under the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.

This is language from a letter requesting support from Congress for the program:

"NETRP research improves military readiness. American troops are routinely exposed to a wide range of chemicals and neurotoxins that may increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions, particularly Parkinson's disease. Understanding how exposures occur, the incidence of disease afterwards, and how these conditions may be effectively treated, cured, or prevented allow the Department of Defense (DoD) to better protect military personnel, minimize the risk of future exposures, and improve the readiness of American military forces.

In addition to helping military personnel, NETRP research breakthroughs also benefit the more than one million Americans with Parkinson's disease, including 42,000 veterans and 60,000 newly diagnosed Americans each year."

thank you indidgogo!!

not to get political here....but are they spending so much for a reason?

i do ask this because not only my dad was in the military, but a dear friend of mine was dx'ed in his early 40's. he was in vietnam and was mixed up in the agent orange stuff. :(

if this is a touchy subject, let me know and i will edit my post.

hugs and choccy...the good dark stuff that is good for your brain....to all. :D

touchy feely
 

They spend it because it is needed and research is expensive! And ..... this is not a touchy subject :)

I know more than one Viet Nam-era jet pilot with PD.

Keep sending the choccy ..... hugs too!