• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Parkinson's Disease / PD 101: What is Parkinson’s Disease?

PD 101: What is Parkinson’s Disease?

what is Parkinson's disease

This content was developed in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation.

What is Parkinson’s Disease? 

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, neurological disorder that occurs when cells in the brain that make dopamine start to die. Dopamine is the chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement coordination. Less dopamine in the brain results in various symptoms, which progress differently for everyone.   

 People with Parkinson’s disease can experience movement (or motor) symptoms, and non-movement (or non-motor) symptoms. Movement symptoms can include tremors, slowness of movement, freezing (the temporary, involuntary inability to move) and problems with balance. Non-movement symptoms can include depression, anxiety, low blood pressure, constipation, and sleep disorders. Research shows that Black and African Americans with PD are more likely to interpret their symptoms as signs of aging and therefore may under-report symptoms to their healthcare providers. 

 The cause(s) of PD remains largely unknown and there is no cure, yet. Many symptoms of PD, however, can be treated or managed, and researchers are making advances in understanding the disease, its causes and new treatment options. To make life better for people with Parkinson’s, the Parkinson’s Foundation, a leading PD organization, funds research and provides free educational materials to those impacted by the disease.

You May Also Like
13 Signs You Need to See a Dermatologist

How is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed? 

There is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s. A diagnosis of PD is based on many factors including an individual’s medical history, symptom history (e.g., tremors, loss of smell, reduced voice volume), neurological examination, and response to medication. 

With early detection, treatment and expert care, many people live longer, productive lives with Parkinson’s. Data shows Black and African Americans with PD are diagnosed on average four years later and at a more advanced disease stage than whites with PD. Early diagnosis can help improve health outcomes and lead to a better quality of life.

How Common is Parkinson’s Disease? 

  • Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with PD and this number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.  
    • We do not yet have an accurate estimate of the number of Black and African Americans living with PD in the U.S. Studying health disparities, conducting more targeted and inclusive research, promoting awareness and disclosure of PD symptoms, and more accurately diagnosing PD in the Black community will help us learn more.
  • An estimated 60,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with PD every year.
  • More than 10 million people worldwide are living with PD. 

Who Does Parkinson’s Disease Affect?  

  • PD typically affects older adults. Most people are diagnosed in their 60s. 
  • Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) occurs in people younger than 50 and accounts for about 4% of people living with PD. Although symptoms are similar, people with Young-Onset PD often face different financial, family and employment concerns.
  • On average, men are 1.5 times more likely to have PD than women. This is not the case for Black men and women, who are at similar risk for PD. 
  • Many studies find that Black and African Americans are less likely to be diagnosed with PD. This may be due to underrepresentation of Black patients in the healthcare system overall, under diagnosis and delays in PD diagnosis for Black and African Americans, or genetic factors. 
  • There are approximately 110,000 veterans with PD who are seen through the Veterans Health Administration.  

Learn More About Living Well with PD 

The first step to living well with Parkinson’s is to understand the disease and its progression. 

  • The book Parkinson’s Disease: Frequently Asked Questions highlights the most frequently asked questions the Parkinson’s Foundation receives through its Helpline. 
  • In the video: What is Parkinson’s Disease? James Beck, PhD, Parkinson’s Foundation Chief Scientific Officer, defines Parkinson’s, describes movement and non-movement symptoms and explains the importance of exercise for people with Parkinson’s.
  • The Parkinson.org/NewlyDiagnosed webpage is the go-to resource for anyone who has recently received a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Get started with information for starting your journey, building your community, and taking charge of your diagnosis.  

This content was developed in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation.

You May Also Like
7 Proven Ways to Cure an Upset Stomach

To learn more about Parkinson’s disease and find resources to help you live better with Parkinson’s, visit Parkinson.org or call the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

foundations

 

 

 

References  

  • Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson.org
  • Dahodwala, N., Karlawish, J., Siderowf, A., Duda, J. E., & Mandell, D. S. (2011). Delayed Parkinson’s disease diagnosis among African-Americans: The role of reporting of disability. Neuroepidemiology, 36(3),150–154.  
  • Pan, S., Stutzbach, J., Reichwein, S., Lee, B. K., & Dahodwala, N. (2014). Knowledge and attitudes about Parkinson’s disease among a diverse group of older adults. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 29(3), 339–352.  
  • Xie, T., Laio, C., Lee, D., Yu, H., Padmanaban, M., Kang, W., Johnson, J., Alshaikh, J., Yuen, C., Burns, M., & Chiu, B.C.-H. (2021). Disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and survival between Black and White Parkinson patients. Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, 87, 7-12.  

 

December 3, 2021 by Blackdoctor

Read Next Article

The Latest In Parkinson's Disease

Muhammad Ali

Black History of Health: Muhammad Ali

In the few years before his 2016 death, the sound and fury he’d become famous for had been replaced by silence and tranquility. Muhammad Ali no longer rumbled or gloated. The heavyweight champion of the world and civil rights activist read more about Black History of Health: Muhammad Ali
Parkinson's disease caregiver

Parkinson’s Disease and the Care Partner Experience

One million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. No two people with PD experience the same symptoms, responses to treatment or progression, and care partner experience. While caregiving comes read more about Parkinson’s Disease and the Care Partner Experience
parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s Disease Research and Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know

This content was developed in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation. Research is vital to helping researchers and doctors better understand Parkinson’s disease (PD). Research leads to a better understanding of symptoms and disease progression, new treatments and medications, and will one read more about Parkinson’s Disease Research and Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know
parkinson's disease treatment

Top Ways to Treat Parkinson’s Disease

This content was developed in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation. Every person living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experiences symptoms, disease progression and treatments that are unique to them. There is no single treatment plan that works for everyone.  The most common read more about Top Ways to Treat Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson's Disease symptoms

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms: What Everyone Should Know

This content was developed in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often thought of as a disease that only impacts movement, but Parkinson’s affects many systems in the body. Parkinson’s symptoms are different from person to person and read more about Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms: What Everyone Should Know
disease

Day 1: Just Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

This content was developed in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation.  Receiving a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis can feel overwhelming. As you begin to process your feelings, which can be wide-ranging, it’s important to know you are not alone. Regardless of read more about Day 1: Just Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • 10 Signs You’re Living With Clogged Arteries 10 Signs You’re Living With Clogged Arteries
  • Tracee Ellis Ross at 50: Loving Her Body With No FilterTracee Ellis Ross at 50: Loving Her Body With No Filter
  • Like Father, Like Son: ‘Miami Vice’ Star’s Son Handsome Like his DaddyLike Father, Like Son: 'Miami Vice' Star's Son Handsome Like his Daddy
  • Mo’Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: “I Love Us For Real”Mo'Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: "I Love Us For Real"
  • The Cast of The Bernie Mac Show: 20+ Years LaterThe Cast of The Bernie Mac Show: 20+ Years Later

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.