Friday will be the sixth annual observation of World Parkinson's Disease Day. The date coincides with the birthday of James Parkinson, who is credited with discovering "shaking palsy," which was later named Parkinson's in his honor.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder. In Parkinson's disease, cells that produce the neuro-chemical dopamine degenerate, causing tremors, muscle stiffness or rigidity, slow movement and loss of balance. Although medication masks some of the symptoms for a period of time -- generally 4 to 8 years -- they begin causing dose-limiting side effects. Eventually the medications lose their effectiveness, often leaving the victim unable to move, speak or swallow.

With the aging baby-boomer population in the United States, Parkinson's disease is expected to increase dramatically above the million and a half that currently suffer from the insidious disease.

For information on how to support research efforts, call Greg Sterling of the Young Onset Parkinson's Association, (724) 981-1563.