Neurological disorders are now the leading cause of disability. Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing disability. More than 10 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Some as early as 20 years old others not until 80. Researchers believe the number of people with PD will double by the year 2040.
Michael J. Fox, Actor, Parkinson’s Activist, diagnosed in 1991 when 29 years old
Muhammad Ali, World Champion boxer, PD Activist, diagnosed in 1984 at age 42
Bhumibol Adulyade, King of Thailand, when diagnosed not known
Alan Alda, Actor, diagnosed in 2015 at age 79
Roger Bannister, Champion Olympic Athlete, diagnosed 2011 at age 81
Margaret Bourke-White, Photographer, first celebrity to reveal PD diagnosis in 1952 at age 48
George H. W. Bush, 41st US President, diagnosed in 2012 at age 88
Michael Richard Clifford, Astronaut, PD Activist, diagnosed in 1994 at age 42
Salvador Dali, Artist, diagnosed in 1980 at age 76
Neil Diamond, Musician, diagnosed in 2018 at age 77
Francisco Franco, Spanish Dictator, diagnosed in 1965 at age 73
Kurt Gibson, Baseball Player, PD Activist, diagnosed in 2015 at age 61
Billy Graham, Evangelist, diagnosed in 1993 at age 75
Brian Grant, Professional Basketball Player, PD Activist, diagnosed in 2008 at age 36
Chester Himes, Author, when diagnosed not known
Ian Holm, Actor, diagnosed in 2001 at age 70
Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader, diagnosed in 2015 at age 74
Dave Jennings, Professional Football Player, diagnosed in 1996 at age 44
Ba Jin, Chinese Author and Political Activist, diagnosed in 1983 at age 79
Pauline Kael, Film Critic, diagnosed in 1982 at age 63
Deborah Kerr, Actress, diagnosed in 1992 at age 71
Gene McCarthy, American politician, when diagnosed not known
Mao Zedong, Chinese Revolutionary Leader, diagnosed in 19710 at age 78
Ozzy Osborne, Musician, diagnosed in 2019 at age 70
Pope John Paul II, Pope, diagnosed in 1991 at age 70
Ben Petrick, Baseball Player, diagnosed in 1999 at age 22
Davis Phinney, Cycling Champion, PD Activist, diagnosed in 2000 at age 41
Vincent Price, Actor, diagnosed in 1990 age 79
Sir Michael Redgrave, Actor, diagnosed in 1972 age 64
Janet Reno, US Attorney General, PD Activist, diagnosed in 1995 at age 57
Linda Ronstadt, Musician, diagnosed in 2012 at age 66
Charles Schulz, Created Peanuts, diagnosed in 1975 at age 53
Terry Thomas, Comedian, diagnosed in 1971 at age 60
Glen Tipton, Musician, diagnosed in 2008 at age 61
Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister, diagnosed in 1996??? at age 76
George Wallace, American Politician, diagnosed in 1992 at age 73
Robin Williams, Actor, diagnosed in 2014 at age 63
