Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological condition that affects a person’s control of their body movements. Parkinson’s occurs when brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that coordinates movement, stop working or die. It is a lifelong and progressive disease, which means that symptoms slowly worsen over time.
It is important to note that not everyone with Parkinson’s will experience the same symptoms, and the order in which symptoms appear and the way symptoms progress also varies from person to person.
Additionally, non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbance, constipation and loss of sense of smell can pre-date the motor symptoms, such as a tremor, slowness of movement or rigidity, by up to a decade.
Parkinson’s results from the loss of cells in various parts of the brain, including a region called the substantia nigra. When dopamine production is depleted, the motor system nerves are unable to control movement and coordination. The dopamine producing cells are lost over a period of years and the motor type symptoms such as tremor, rigidity etc. will start to appear.
The experience of living with Parkinson’s over the course of a lifetime is unique to each person. As symptoms and progression vary from person to person, neither you nor your doctor can predict which symptoms you will get, when you will get them or how severe they will be. Even though broad paths of similarity are observed among individuals with PD as the disease progresses, there is no guarantee you will experience what you see in others.
Dr. Rachel Dolhun, a movement disorders neurologist and vice president of medical communications at The Michael J. Fox Foundation, breaks down the basics of Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is poorly understood. The majority of the population understand it to be ‘just the shakes’. The reality is much different.
To review the full 2015 Deloitte Access Economics ‘Living with Parkinson’s disease’ report click here
*Note: key statistics have been updated in 2019 based on growth estimates included in the Living with Parkinson’s Disease: An updated economic analysis 2014. Other data has been sourced from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the World Health Organisation.
In most cases, the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research states that better understanding of the complex genetic, environmental, aging and other factors that lead to Parkinson’s would be game-changing in our pursuit of preventive and therapeutic treatment options. For most people, the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown or “idiopathic”. Researchers believe that Parkinson’s is caused by a combination of factors. If a continuum existed, with genetic causes at one end and environmental causes at the other, people with Parkinson’s would fall at many different places. Some cases may be due more to genetics, and others more influenced by environmental factors. Aging plays a role, too. Scientists are working hard to understand the triggers and the cascade of cellular changes that lead to Parkinson’s. Knowing more about the cause could help researchers develop treatments to stop or even prevent the disease. Read more here.
Because the causes of Parkinson’s disease are unknown, there is no scientifically validated preventive course to reduce the risk of its onset. The single biggest risk factor for Parkinson’s disease is advancing age. Men have a somewhat higher risk than women.
That being said, a number of studies have highlighted factors that are associated with either greater or lesser risk of Parkinson’s disease. For example, caffeine consumption has been associated with lower rates of Parkinson’s, while head injury and pesticide exposure have been associated with higher risk. While such studies do not definitively link these factors with Parkinson’s one way or another, they highlight areas where further research may guide us to risk-prevention or treatment strategies.
Our website contains more information on the specific symptoms of Parkinson’s:
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person and change over time and include motor and non-motor symptoms.
Current medications or surgery options can help to manage Parkinson’s symptoms, but we don’t yet have any treatments that can cure, slow, stop or reverse the progression.
Living with Parkinson’s does require re-adjustment as the disease slowly progresses. We share some valuable information to help you live a better life.
A Parkinson’s diagnosis affects everyone. Learn more about some commonly raised questions such as, what effect will it have on my relationship, how do I tell my children etc.
It’s not just an old person’s disease. 20% of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are under the age of 50. Learn more about Young Onset Parkinson’s.
The information on this page provides guidance on what to expect from Parkinson’s caregiving and how to care for your own health.
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