PD 101: 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.

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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.

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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).

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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.