Advertisement

Parkinson's disease, explained

Know the causes, symptoms and treatment of this nerve disorder.

Brain scans, MRI
1 / 5

Parkinson's disease, a chronic and progressive nerve disorder, affects as many as one million Americans, with 60,000 people diagnosed each year. You might have questions like: What is Parkinson’s disease? Who gets it, what are the symptoms, and is there a cure? Here’s what you need to know.

senior man, glasses, thinking
2 / 5
Who Is At Risk?

Age is one of the biggest risk factors for Parkinson's. The disease develops most often after age 60 and occurs more often in men than in women. Early-onset Parkinson's can strike people under age 50. In very rare cases, symptoms may even appear at age 20 or younger. 

man, field
3 / 5
Causes

The underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease is still unknown. Roughly 15% of people with Parkinson’s have a family history of the disease. Some research suggests that certain pesticides can increase the risk of developing the disease. And mounting evidence connects head injuries and concussions—Show More

writing letter
4 / 5
Symptoms

Parkinson's disease has four hallmark symptoms: tremors, or shaking of the hands, arms, legs and face; stiffness; bradykinesia (slow movement); and poor balance. Symptoms usually start on one side of the body and progress to both sides. Other symptoms include dementia, dizziness when standing,Show More

granddaughter kissing grandfather
5 / 5
Treatment

Parkinson’s disease has no cure. Medications that either mimic or help the body produce the brain chemical dopamine can help manage problems with tremors, rigidity, balance and movement. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a widely used treatment that may help some people who develop certainShow More

More On

How Parkinson's disease affects the brain

video

How Parkinson's disease affects the brain
Biomedical engineer Sri Sarma, PhD, explains how brain waves and rhythms influence movement in people with Parkinson’s disease. Watch this video to le...
Building a Parkinson's disease care team

article

Building a Parkinson's disease care team
A guide to the healthcare providers that make up a multidisciplinary team for Parkinson’s disease.
Who Is Eligible for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

video

Who Is Eligible for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
Patients who no longer benefit from medicine and are healthy enough for surgery may be candidates for deep brain stimulation, says biomedical engineer...
Michael J. Fox on Parkinson's - with gratitude, optimism is sustainable

video

Michael J. Fox on Parkinson's - with gratitude, optimism is sustainable
Fox spoke about his ongoing struggles in a recent interview.
What is Parkinson's Disease?

video

What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that kills the brain cells which produce dopamine, which is critical for cellular communication. ...