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More than 10 million people worldwide are currently living with Parkinson's disease. What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Nerve cell damage causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to noticeable symptoms. Parkinson's disease itself is not fatal, but disease complications can be serious. Most people with Parkinson's develop symptoms at age 50 or older. Young-onset Parkinson's disease occurs in people younger than 50 and makes up about four percent of the one million people living with PD in the United States.
Parkinson's symptoms generally develop slowly over the years. The rate of progression is different for each person due to the diversity of the disease. Some people experience symptoms progressing over the course of 20 years, while others find they progress faster.
People with PD may experience tremors, slowness of movement, limb stiffness or rigidity, and balance problems. In addition to these movement-related symptoms, also called motor symptoms, Parkinson's symptoms may be unrelated to movement. Examples of non-movement symptoms include depression, anxiety, hallucinations, constipation, sleep disorders, and a variety of cognitive impairments and thinking changes.
Parkinson's disease is a clinical diagnosis, meaning an individual's history, symptoms, and physical exam are used to make the diagnosis. Often, an internist or family physician is the first to make a diagnosis. Many people may seek an additional opinion from a neurologist or a movement disorder specialist, which is a neurologist with specific training in the assessment and treatment of PD and related disorders.
There is not a single lab or imaging test that can diagnose PD. However, certain tests, such as a brain MRI, a DaTscan, or blood work, can be used to support a PD diagnosis.
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While the exact cause of Parkinson's disease remains unknown, scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are at play. Genetics cause about 10 to 15 percent of all Parkinson's cases. Environmental risk factors associated with PD include head injury, area of residence, exposure to pesticides, and more.
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease. However, there are treatments that address the symptoms of Parkinson's, including medications, lifestyle adjustments, and surgery. Exercise can improve many PD symptoms and is vital to maintaining balance, mobility, mental health, and activities of daily living for people with Parkinson's.
Treatment should be tailored to an individual's symptoms through a shared decision-making process with their healthcare provider. While living with Parkinson's disease can be challenging, there are many things that can help people with PD maintain and improve their quality of life. The Parkinson's Foundation is here to make life better for people with Parkinson's disease and those who love them. For Parkinson's disease resources and information, please visit Parkinson.org.