Did you know that Nebraska has the highest incidence of Parkinson’s Disease reported per capita in the world? Parkinson’s (PD) strikes nerve cells in the brain that control muscle movement. People with the disease often experience trembling, muscle rigidity, difficulty walking, problems with balance and slowed movement. One of the earliest symptoms is reported loss of taste and smell. Symptoms usually develop after age 60, but some people are affected before age 50. Michael J. Fox, Muhammad Ali, Billy Graham and Janet Reno have PD. Pope John Paul II and former Nebraska Congressman Peter Hoagland passed away from complications of PD. There is no cure for Parkinson's, but patients can be treated medically for their symptoms.

Gold Crest understands the difficulty people have when living with Parkinson's Disease. We started a support group to help bring understanding and information to those with PD along with their family and friends. Options for treatment, resources, and coping skills are just a few topics discussed at our monthly meetings. If you would like to attend a free Parkinson's Support Group meeting, we get together every 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Gold Crest Chapel. If you would like more information about how Gold Crest can provide you with Parkinson's support, contact Diane Nieveen at dnieveen@goldcrest.net.