Ataxia is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Many symptoms of Ataxia can mimic those of being drunk - slurred speech, stumbling, falling, and incoordination. All are related to degeneration of the part of the brain, called the cerebellum that is responsible for coordinating movement. Ataxia is a disease that affects people of all ages. Age of symptom-onset can vary widely, from childhood to late adulthood. Complications from the disease are serious, oftentimes debilitating, and can be life-shortening. Ataxia is an umbrella term used to classify a group of diseases that include: Ataxia Telangiectasia, Episodic Ataxia, Friedreich’s Ataxia, Multiple System Atrophy, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Sporadic Ataxia