Emma Lawton, a graphic designer, was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at age 29, more than three decades earlier than the average diagnosis. She initially thought it was a common ailment caused by her computer use, but was referred to a neurological consultant at the hospital. Scans of her brain revealed she was in "the very early stages" of Parkinson's disease. The disease, a movement disorder of the central nervous system, causes tremors, speech changes, slowed movement, poor posture and balance, muscle stiffness, loss of automatic movements and other symptoms. In the past 12 years, Lawton's disease has progressed significantly, with her neck muscles failing and she had to relearn to walk. She is optimistic about her future and believes that her diagnosis will not define her.