Most doctors agree that Parkinson's is an "incurable progressive degenerative neurological brain disorder." What does that mean in plain English?

You have a disease of the brain - the part that primarily affects movement - that will gradually worsen and for which there is presently no cure.

Research is continuing, both to improve available treatments and ultimately to cure the disease.

There is no simple way to deal with a Parkinson's diagnosis. It is a life-changing event that takes a long time to adjust to. There are no hard and fast ways of tackling the condition from day one - everyone has a different set of circumstances and a different outlook, and Parkinson's is a highly individualistic disease that everyone experiences differently.

Early on, Parkinson's disease may not greatly disrupt your life. For most people, the disease becomes more disabling over time. Treatment can help you adjust as the disease progresses and help you to remain independent for as long as possible. Adaptive devices such as canes or walkers may become necessary as the disease progresses.