National Parkinson Foundation - Non-Alzheimer's Dementia Associations

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's, affecting about one million people in the United States and an estimated four million worldwide. The prevalence of the disease is expected to increase substantially in the next 20 years due to the aging of the population in the U.S., Europe and globally, as well as an increase in the age-related incidence of the disease. The economic burden of Parkinson's disease is estimated to be $23 billion annually in the U.S. and projected to increase to $5 billion by the year 2040.

Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the National Parkinson Foundation has worked to address the unmet needs in Parkinson's care and treatment. In 2010 and beyond, NPF works every day to improve the quality of Parkinson's care through research, education and outreach. We believe by working together, we can improve the quality of care for every person diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

For more information about NPF, please call us at 1-800-327-4545 or e-mail contact@parkinson.org.

The mission of the National Parkinson Foundation is to improve the quality of care for people with Parkinson's disease through research, education and outreach.

Founded in 1957, NPF is a leading national organization with an extensive grassroots network of Centers of Excellence, chapters and support groups in the United States, Canada and internationally. Unique among the national Parkinson's organizations, NPF is the only organization with a singular focus on improving the quality of care in Parkinson's disease. Since 1982, NPF has funded more than $150 million in care, research and support services.

The core of our efforts is the NPF Center of Excellence network, 43 leading medical centers around the globe that deliver care to more than 50,000 Parkinson's patients. Through this network, NPF creates a community of health care professionals dedicated to improving clinical care in Parkinson's disease. In each of our research, education and outreach programs, NPF is dedicated to promoting our passionate belief that the best care is a comprehensive approach that addresses the whole person and the full range of symptoms of the disease.