Parkinson’s Disease Resource Center
Health ConditionsNeurological DisordersParkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s Disease

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Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, lifelong neurological disorder in which the brain cells that make dopamine — a neurotransmitter that coordinates movement — work less effectively or die. Symptoms of Parkinson’s include problems with walking and balancing, tremors, and stiffness. Medication and other treatments can treat symptoms of the disease.

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What are the risk factors for developing Parkinson’s disease?

Aging is the most significant risk factor for developing Parkinson’s. Genetics and environmental factors (such as head injuries or exposure to certain chemicals) are also associated with developing the disorder.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms can be treated with medications, deep-brain stimulation, and focused ultrasound, in which ultrasound beams are used to destroy areas of brain cells that are responsible for symptoms. Current treatment options only relieve symptoms, they cannot stop the disease from progressing.

Parkinson’s disease itself is not fatal, and the life expectancy for someone with the disorder is comparable to that of someone without it. However, the balance problems accompanying the disease can lead to falls and accidents. In some cases, these can lead to fatal complications.

Meet Our Experts In Parkinson's Disease
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
jason-paul-chua-bio

Jason Paul Chua, MD, PhD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jason Chua, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and Division of Movement Disorders at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He received his training at th...

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Sneha Mantri

Sneha Mantri, MD, MS

Medical Reviewer

As the Parkinson’s Foundation first-ever chief medical officer, Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, leads medical and clinical care efforts, guiding the Foundation’s care portfolio and strategy ...

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ira-daniel-breite-bio

Ira Daniel Breite, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ira Daniel Breite, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He is an associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he also sees patien...

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Samuel Mackenzie, MD, PhD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Samuel Mackenzie, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Child Neurology, Neuromuscular Disease, and Neuroscience at University of Rochester Medical Center. He completed his undergr...

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michael-yochelson-bio

Michael R. Yochelson, MD, MBA

Medical Reviewer

Michael R. Yochelson, MD, MBA, is the chief medical officer at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where he was instrumental in starting its first fellowship in brain injury medicine. ...

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Jessica-Baity-bio

Jessica Baity, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jessica Baity, MD, is a board-certified neurologist practicing in southern Louisiana. She cares for a variety of patients in all fields of neurology, including epilepsy, headache, ...

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Resources
  1. Parkinson’s Disease. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

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