The risk of developing Parkinson's disease naturally increases with age, and the average age at which it starts is 60 years old. It's slightly more common in men or people designated male at birth (DMAB) than in women or people designated female at birth (DFAB).
The main risk factor is age, because Parkinson's disease is most commonly found in adults over the age of 50 (although diagnoses can occur in much younger people). Men also have a higher risk of Parkinson's disease than women.
Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. Nerve cells in this part of the brain are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine.
Many researchers now believe that Parkinson's results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins.
Tremors, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement are all common early symptoms of Parkinson's – but there are also other signs to be aware of. Sleep and night-time problems are common in Parkinson's.
While people are diagnosed with Parkinson's at an average age of 60, anything younger than 50 is considered young-onset Parkinson's, or YOPD.
It's possible for non-motor symptoms to start occurring up to a decade before any motor symptoms emerge. Years can pass before symptoms are obvious enough to make a person to go to the doctor.
Medical experts believe that environmental causes may help trigger Parkinson's disease. Exposure to farming chemicals, like pesticides and herbicides; Vietnam-era exposure to Agent Orange; and working with heavy metals, detergents and solvents have all been implicated and studied for a clearer link.
Research suggests that stressful life events may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. In addition, animal studies indicate that stress damages dopamine cells, resulting in more severe parkinsonian symptoms. In humans, acute stress can worsen motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, freezing, and tremor.
The finger tapping test evaluates bradykinesia, focusing on decrement in rate, amplitude, or both with repetitive action. Vertical positioning of the hands during this task may also be clinically relevant.
So far, only two theories have shown to be helpful: exercise and diet. According to studies, physical activity is not only a good way to treat patients with Parkinson's disease, it appears to help prevent or delay the onset. Getting the body moving helps build strength, balance, endurance and coordination.
Parkinson's disease does not directly cause people to die, but the condition can place great strain on the body, and can make some people more vulnerable to serious and life-threatening infections. But with advances in treatment, most people with Parkinson's disease now have a normal or near-normal life expectancy.
It is not possible to prevent Parkinson's disease, but some lifelong habits may help reduce the risk.
“Movement, especially exercises that encourage balance and reciprocal patterns [movements that require coordination of both sides of your body], can actually slow progression of the disease,” she says.
In most cases, symptoms change slowly, with substantive progression taking place over the space of many months or years. Many people with PD have symptoms for at least a year or two before a diagnosis is actually made. The longer symptoms are present, the easier it is to predict how a person with PD will do over time.
Though mild to moderate alcohol use does not increase the risk of Parkinson's, heavy drinking may. People with Parkinson's may develop worsening associated symptoms, such as depression or sleep issues, when consuming alcohol.
Of relevance, Parkinson's symptom severity was assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes in PD (PRO-PD) scale; higher scores on this scale indicate more severe symptoms. Participants who responded “yes” to the question “I am lonely” reported approximately 55% higher PRO-PD scores over time.
Types of Anxiety Disorder Linked to Parkinson's
Research shows that up to 40 percent of Parkinson's patients have anxiety. This is greater than the rate in people of the same age who don't have Parkinson's.
Multiple system atrophy – the cousin of Parkinson's disease. MSA is a degenerative brain disorder that impairs the body's functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, bladder function and is related to Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease can't be cured, but medications can help control the symptoms, often dramatically. In some more advanced cases, surgery may be advised. Your health care provider may also recommend lifestyle changes, especially ongoing aerobic exercise.
Parkinson's disease has movement and non-movement symptoms. If you have more than a few of the early Parkinson's signs, don't delay making an appointment to talk to your doctor. With early detection, treatment, and expert care, you can live a long, productive, and meaningful life with Parkinson's.
However, some studies have identified cases where Parkinson's disease symptoms disappear. In one study, a 78-year-old man experienced a remission of all symptoms 16 years after his diagnosis. Although full remission is very rare, it can happen in some cases.