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Olivopontocerebellar degeneration: An uncommon disorder in which patients have difficulty with balance and walking, often called ataxia. The patients may have an action or postural tremor, but do not have rigidity or bradykinesia. The disorder results from a deterioration of certain structures in the nervous system, including the cerebellum, the pons (a part of the brainstem), and the olive (a part of the brainstem). This condition does not respond to anti-Parkinson drugs. MRI is helpful in diagnosis. The above is from "Parkinson's Disease, The Complete Guide for Patients and Caregivers", Abraham Lieberman, MD et al. OPCD is but one of a number of diseases known as Parkinson's Plus. They are nornally defined as atypical Parkinson's disease because they have symptoms that are much like PD. There is usually something that keeps the neurologist from calling it PD. One test is the lack of response to levodopa. This is not a childhood disease that is cureable as referenced in a message earlier. This should be taken seriously. Regards, Alan Bonander