Parkinson's Disease

The Parkinson’s Disease topic includes research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a brain disorder causing unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking; stiffness; and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking. They may also have mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.

Age is a clear risk factor for PD. Most people with PD develop the disease after age 60. However, some experience onset before the age of 50. Early-onset forms of Parkinson’s are often, but not always, inherited, and some forms have been linked to specific alterations in genes.