Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStatisticsFactsRealitiesMythsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Statistics
Facts
Realities
Myths
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many misconceptions aboutParkinson’s disease, which has led to widespread misunderstanding about what the disease really is and the effects it has on someone who is living with it.
Many people believe that having Parkinson’s means you would look sick, but that’s not always the case. Living with Parkinson’s disease looks slightly different for everyone. The condition can cause symptoms like tremors or balance issues and mental health struggles such as depression. Learn more about the facts and myths about this disease.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
Parkinson’s Disease Statistics
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects roughly 1 million Americans.Neurodegenerative diseases lead to the progressive decline of the structure and function of the central and peripheralnervous systems, which deliver messages to and from the brain to the rest of the body.
The disease is typically found in older adults, and the average age of onset is 60 years old. However, it can occur in younger adults between 30 and 40 years old.
Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.Hispanic and Caucasian ethnicities are the most affected, and the prevalence of the disease is highest in developed countries.
Recap
10 Facts About Parkinson’s Disease
Here are some facts about Parkinson’s disease that many people may not know.
1. Parkinson’s Disease Is Incurable
Although the disease is treatable, there is no cure. Current therapies can slow the progression of Parkinson’s so that people with this condition can maintain a good quality of life.
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
2. Having Parkinson’s Is Not a Death Sentence
A Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can be life-limiting, though this can largely depend on the type and impact it has on certain function. Research has demonstrated that those with Parkinson’s disease who have normal cognitive function (thinking capabilities) are able to live relatively normal lifespans.
Life Expectancy in Parkinson’s Disease
3. The Disease Is Unique in Every Person
Although people with Parkinson’s disease share certain common symptoms such astremors, loss of balance, and uncontrollable movements, not everyone will experience the disease the same way in terms ofsymptomsand disease severity.
4. Non-Motor Symptoms Can Be More Detrimental
Parkinson’s disease can cause many symptoms that have nothing to do with motor function. Some non-motor symptoms that can greatly affect a person’s quality of life if they have Parkinson’s disease include:
5. There Are Some Subtle Early Warning Signs
Along with the early motor symptoms such as tremors and stiffness, other early warning signs of the disease can include the loss of smell and a soft voice. Small handwriting is also a telltale sign that someone may have Parkinson’s, especially if over time it continues to get smaller and more crowded.
Cogwheeling in Parkinson’s Disease
6. Exercising Can Help Manage the Disease
Exercise has been shown to help manage Parkinson’s disease. The effect that exercise has on the release and production of certain brain chemicals is what helps drive the benefits in slowing the progression of the disease.
7. Parkinson’s Can Increase the Risk of Depression
Depression is the most commonly reported mental health issue in people with Parkinson’s disease, with roughly 40-50% of people with Parkinson’s developing the mental disorder.
10+ Facts About Parkinson’s Disease
8. Not Everyone With Parkinson’s Experiences Tremors
Roughly 30% of people diagnosed with the disease will not experience any tremors. However, the disease in people who do not experience tremors may progress faster.
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9. Parkinson’s Disease Has Many Stages
There are fivestagesof Parkinson’s disease:
Parkinson’s disease is strongly associated with the loss of certain nerve cells in the brain that producedopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain often referred to as the “feel good” hormone. When this chemical becomes depleted, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease develop.
RecapLiving with Parkinson’s disease is much more than dealing with tremors and the occasional loss of balance. However, Parkinson’s is not a death sentence, and managing the disease and symptoms can be done with the right medical approach.
Living with Parkinson’s disease is much more than dealing with tremors and the occasional loss of balance. However, Parkinson’s is not a death sentence, and managing the disease and symptoms can be done with the right medical approach.
Realities of Living With Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is unpredictable, so it can be difficult to make any plans—big or small—without worrying you have to cancel at the last minute. Living with the painful symptoms, both physical and mental, can be draining.
Daily tasks may require a lot of energy for someone with Parkinson’s disease to complete or are taken away altogether. For example, a person without a chronic disease can drive to the grocery store, come home and do laundry, cook dinner for their family, and still have time to relax at the end of the day. However, a person with Parkinson’s will have to put much more effort and time into each task and may not be able to drive at all.
Impact of Parkinson’s Disease on Relationships
As the disease progresses to its later stages, many people are forced to give up their independence and autonomy when it comes to taking care of themselves. This makes coping with a diagnosis and the disease incredibly difficult.
However, with the right treatments, you can slow disease progression and remain independent for as long as possible.
RecapA person with Parkinson’s may have to work for every movement, every chore, and every aspect of their day-to-day life. However, you can work with your medical team to develop a treatment plan that can help you remain independent for as long as possible.
A person with Parkinson’s may have to work for every movement, every chore, and every aspect of their day-to-day life. However, you can work with your medical team to develop a treatment plan that can help you remain independent for as long as possible.
3 Myths and Misconceptions
The myths and misconceptions surrounding Parkinson’s disease include:
1. Parkinson’s Patients Cannot Care for Themselves
While it’s true that people in the later stages of the disease may require full or partial assistance when it comes to taking care of themselves, many with Parkinson’s can live full lives with the right treatments.
2. Medications for the Disease Are Toxic
There are several medications available for Parkinson’s disease, but the most commonly used is Sinemet (levodopa). It is designed to restore levels of dopamine in the brain. The medication works well, but a myth that it was toxic began circulating and is still somehow commonly accepted. The truth is as long as the medicine is being used properly and the dose is where it should be, it is completely safe and can benefit people with Parkinson’s disease.
What Conditions Are Treated with Dopamine Agonists?
3. Parkinson’s Disease Flares Up and Then Goes Away
Unlike other diseases that can flare up and go away sporadically, Parkinson’s is not like that. Symptoms may be worse or better throughout the day, but the disease itself is always progressing, albeit slowly.
RecapThe myths that surround Parkinson’s disease can be dangerous for people trying to understand a diagnosis. Knowing the difference between the facts and myths can help educate others on what it’s like to live and cope with Parkinson’s disease.
The myths that surround Parkinson’s disease can be dangerous for people trying to understand a diagnosis. Knowing the difference between the facts and myths can help educate others on what it’s like to live and cope with Parkinson’s disease.
Summary
There are many things people without Parkinson’s or those who have just received a diagnosis don’t know about the disease, but learning the distinction between the myths and facts can help cope with a new diagnosis. Speaking to your doctor about any concerns you have for yourself or your loved one can also help clear up any confusion you have about the disease.
A Word From Verywell
Because of modern-day medicine and other forms of treatment, a person with Parkinson’s disease can manage it effectively and many times expect to live out a normal and long life. If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and are having a difficult time coping with the news, it’s important that you seek out support groups and follow research advancements in the area.
If you love someone with Parkinson’s disease, becoming an advocate or volunteering with a Parkinson’s organization can be beneficial to spreading awareness and helping others understand the disease better.
Parkinson’s disease is not fatal. It can severely impact a person’s quality of life, but with the right treatment and management, many people with the disease can live full and happy lives.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yang W, Hamilton JL, Kopil C, Beck JC, Tanner CM, Albin RL, Ray Dorsey E, Dahodwala N, Cintina I, Hogan P, Thompson T.Current and projected future economic burden of Parkinson’s disease in the U.S.NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2020 Jul 9;6:15. doi:10.1038/s41531-020-0117-1DeMaagd G, Philip A.Parkinson’s Disease and Its Management: Part 1: Disease Entity, Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Diagnosis.P T.2015 Aug;40(8):504-532.Hirsch L, Jette N, Frolkis A, Steeves T, Pringsheim T.The Incidence of Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Neuroepidemiology.2016;46(4):292-300. doi:10.1159/000445751GBD 2016 Parkinson’s Disease Collaborators.Global, regional, and national burden of Parkinson’s disease, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016.Lancet Neurol.2018 Nov;17(11):939-953. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(18)30295-3Pires AO, Teixeira FG, Mendes-Pinheiro B, Serra SC, Sousa N, Salgado AJ.Old and new challenges in Parkinson’s disease therapeutics.Prog Neurobiol.2017 Sep;156:69-89. doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.04.006Bäckström D, Granåsen G, Domellöf ME, Linder J, Jakobson Mo S, Riklund K, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Forsgren L.Early predictors of mortality in parkinsonism and Parkinson disease: A population-based study.Neurology.2018 Nov 27;91(22):e2045-e2056. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006576Rizek P, Kumar N, Jog MS.An update on the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease.CMAJ.2016 Nov 1;188(16):1157-1165. doi:10.1503/cmaj.151179Oliveira de Carvalho A, Filho ASS, Murillo-Rodriguez E, Rocha NB, Carta MG, Machado S.Physical Exercise For Parkinson’s Disease: Clinical And Experimental Evidence.Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2018 Mar 30;14:89-98. doi:10.2174/1745017901814010089Marsh L.Depression and Parkinson’s disease: current knowledge.Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep.2013 Dec;13(12):409. doi:10.1007/s11910-013-0409-5Parkinson’s Foundation.Tremor.Parkinson’s Foundation.Stages of Parkinson’s.Parkinson’s Foundation.Levodopa.Kouli A, Torsney KM, Kuan WL.Chapter 1: Parkinson’s Disease: Etiology, Neuropathology, and Pathogenesis.Parkinson’s Disease: Pathogenesis and Clinical Aspects. Codon Publications.2018 Dec 21.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yang W, Hamilton JL, Kopil C, Beck JC, Tanner CM, Albin RL, Ray Dorsey E, Dahodwala N, Cintina I, Hogan P, Thompson T.Current and projected future economic burden of Parkinson’s disease in the U.S.NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2020 Jul 9;6:15. doi:10.1038/s41531-020-0117-1DeMaagd G, Philip A.Parkinson’s Disease and Its Management: Part 1: Disease Entity, Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Diagnosis.P T.2015 Aug;40(8):504-532.Hirsch L, Jette N, Frolkis A, Steeves T, Pringsheim T.The Incidence of Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Neuroepidemiology.2016;46(4):292-300. doi:10.1159/000445751GBD 2016 Parkinson’s Disease Collaborators.Global, regional, and national burden of Parkinson’s disease, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016.Lancet Neurol.2018 Nov;17(11):939-953. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(18)30295-3Pires AO, Teixeira FG, Mendes-Pinheiro B, Serra SC, Sousa N, Salgado AJ.Old and new challenges in Parkinson’s disease therapeutics.Prog Neurobiol.2017 Sep;156:69-89. doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.04.006Bäckström D, Granåsen G, Domellöf ME, Linder J, Jakobson Mo S, Riklund K, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Forsgren L.Early predictors of mortality in parkinsonism and Parkinson disease: A population-based study.Neurology.2018 Nov 27;91(22):e2045-e2056. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006576Rizek P, Kumar N, Jog MS.An update on the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease.CMAJ.2016 Nov 1;188(16):1157-1165. doi:10.1503/cmaj.151179Oliveira de Carvalho A, Filho ASS, Murillo-Rodriguez E, Rocha NB, Carta MG, Machado S.Physical Exercise For Parkinson’s Disease: Clinical And Experimental Evidence.Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2018 Mar 30;14:89-98. doi:10.2174/1745017901814010089Marsh L.Depression and Parkinson’s disease: current knowledge.Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep.2013 Dec;13(12):409. doi:10.1007/s11910-013-0409-5Parkinson’s Foundation.Tremor.Parkinson’s Foundation.Stages of Parkinson’s.Parkinson’s Foundation.Levodopa.Kouli A, Torsney KM, Kuan WL.Chapter 1: Parkinson’s Disease: Etiology, Neuropathology, and Pathogenesis.Parkinson’s Disease: Pathogenesis and Clinical Aspects. Codon Publications.2018 Dec 21.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Yang W, Hamilton JL, Kopil C, Beck JC, Tanner CM, Albin RL, Ray Dorsey E, Dahodwala N, Cintina I, Hogan P, Thompson T.Current and projected future economic burden of Parkinson’s disease in the U.S.NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2020 Jul 9;6:15. doi:10.1038/s41531-020-0117-1DeMaagd G, Philip A.Parkinson’s Disease and Its Management: Part 1: Disease Entity, Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Diagnosis.P T.2015 Aug;40(8):504-532.Hirsch L, Jette N, Frolkis A, Steeves T, Pringsheim T.The Incidence of Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Neuroepidemiology.2016;46(4):292-300. doi:10.1159/000445751GBD 2016 Parkinson’s Disease Collaborators.Global, regional, and national burden of Parkinson’s disease, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016.Lancet Neurol.2018 Nov;17(11):939-953. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(18)30295-3Pires AO, Teixeira FG, Mendes-Pinheiro B, Serra SC, Sousa N, Salgado AJ.Old and new challenges in Parkinson’s disease therapeutics.Prog Neurobiol.2017 Sep;156:69-89. doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.04.006Bäckström D, Granåsen G, Domellöf ME, Linder J, Jakobson Mo S, Riklund K, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Forsgren L.Early predictors of mortality in parkinsonism and Parkinson disease: A population-based study.Neurology.2018 Nov 27;91(22):e2045-e2056. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006576Rizek P, Kumar N, Jog MS.An update on the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease.CMAJ.2016 Nov 1;188(16):1157-1165. doi:10.1503/cmaj.151179Oliveira de Carvalho A, Filho ASS, Murillo-Rodriguez E, Rocha NB, Carta MG, Machado S.Physical Exercise For Parkinson’s Disease: Clinical And Experimental Evidence.Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2018 Mar 30;14:89-98. doi:10.2174/1745017901814010089Marsh L.Depression and Parkinson’s disease: current knowledge.Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep.2013 Dec;13(12):409. doi:10.1007/s11910-013-0409-5Parkinson’s Foundation.Tremor.Parkinson’s Foundation.Stages of Parkinson’s.Parkinson’s Foundation.Levodopa.Kouli A, Torsney KM, Kuan WL.Chapter 1: Parkinson’s Disease: Etiology, Neuropathology, and Pathogenesis.Parkinson’s Disease: Pathogenesis and Clinical Aspects. Codon Publications.2018 Dec 21.
Yang W, Hamilton JL, Kopil C, Beck JC, Tanner CM, Albin RL, Ray Dorsey E, Dahodwala N, Cintina I, Hogan P, Thompson T.Current and projected future economic burden of Parkinson’s disease in the U.S.NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2020 Jul 9;6:15. doi:10.1038/s41531-020-0117-1
DeMaagd G, Philip A.Parkinson’s Disease and Its Management: Part 1: Disease Entity, Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Diagnosis.P T.2015 Aug;40(8):504-532.
Hirsch L, Jette N, Frolkis A, Steeves T, Pringsheim T.The Incidence of Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Neuroepidemiology.2016;46(4):292-300. doi:10.1159/000445751
GBD 2016 Parkinson’s Disease Collaborators.Global, regional, and national burden of Parkinson’s disease, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016.Lancet Neurol.2018 Nov;17(11):939-953. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(18)30295-3
Pires AO, Teixeira FG, Mendes-Pinheiro B, Serra SC, Sousa N, Salgado AJ.Old and new challenges in Parkinson’s disease therapeutics.Prog Neurobiol.2017 Sep;156:69-89. doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.04.006
Bäckström D, Granåsen G, Domellöf ME, Linder J, Jakobson Mo S, Riklund K, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Forsgren L.Early predictors of mortality in parkinsonism and Parkinson disease: A population-based study.Neurology.2018 Nov 27;91(22):e2045-e2056. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006576
Rizek P, Kumar N, Jog MS.An update on the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease.CMAJ.2016 Nov 1;188(16):1157-1165. doi:10.1503/cmaj.151179
Oliveira de Carvalho A, Filho ASS, Murillo-Rodriguez E, Rocha NB, Carta MG, Machado S.Physical Exercise For Parkinson’s Disease: Clinical And Experimental Evidence.Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2018 Mar 30;14:89-98. doi:10.2174/1745017901814010089
Marsh L.Depression and Parkinson’s disease: current knowledge.Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep.2013 Dec;13(12):409. doi:10.1007/s11910-013-0409-5
Parkinson’s Foundation.Tremor.
Parkinson’s Foundation.Stages of Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s Foundation.Levodopa.
Kouli A, Torsney KM, Kuan WL.Chapter 1: Parkinson’s Disease: Etiology, Neuropathology, and Pathogenesis.Parkinson’s Disease: Pathogenesis and Clinical Aspects. Codon Publications.2018 Dec 21.
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