Article on Muhammad Ali's early diagnosis~

While many Parkinson's patients first experience symptoms at around age 60, Muhammad Ali's diagnosis came at 42. Family history or undetected viruses are commonly suspected culprits for the disease, but some researchers speculate that Ali's frequent head injuries from boxing matches might have resulted in cell or nerve damage in his brain, triggering the disease. People with Parkinson's have been found to have cell and nerve damage, which is related to the low norepinephrine and dopamine levels believed to either cause or worsen the disease. Ali began experiencing symptoms of the progressive condition while in his late 30s, in 1981. As of 2008, he was not able to speak, at least at public events.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/347792-muhammad-ali-disease/#ixzz1sVK2nUDR