Parkinson's disease
Notable cases

In the 21st century, the diagnosis of Parkinson's among notable figures has increased the public's understanding of the disorder.

Actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with PD at 29 years old, and has used his diagnosis to increase awareness of the disease. To illustrate the effects of the disease, Fox has appeared without medication in television roles and before the United States Congress. The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which he founded in 2000, has raised over $2 billion for Parkinson's research. Boxer Muhammad Ali showed signs of PD when he was 38, but was undiagnosed until he was 42, and has been called the "world's most famous Parkinson's patient". Whether he had PD or parkinsonism related to boxing is unresolved. Cyclist and Olympic medalist Davis Phinney, diagnosed with Parkinson's at 40, started the Davis Phinney Foundation in 2004 to support PD research. Deng Xiaoping, former paramount leader of China, had advanced Parkinson's disease.

At the time of his suicide in 2014, Robin Williams, the American actor and comedian, had been diagnosed with PD, but his autopsy revealed dementia with Lewy bodies, highlighting difficulties in accurate diagnosis.
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