What Is Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

The term “idiopathic” refers to an unknown cause. In idiopathicParkinson’s disease, it is unclear whatcauses the disease, although researchers suspect changes in brain cells and neurotransmitters may play a role.

The most common form ofParkinsonism, idiopathic Parkinson’s, can lead to tremors, rigidity, and slow movement.Though the condition worsens over time, treatment is available to help manage symptoms.

Learn about idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Verywell / Theresa Chiechi

People with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease usually have movement and muscle-related symptoms, as well as balance and coordination issues.

The onset of these symptoms can be frightening. A person may start experiencing symptoms throughout the body or just on one side.

Over time, symptoms may slowly worsen and begin to affect the whole body.

Idiopathic Parkinson’s acts on the nervous system, so people living with the disease may observe changes in essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson’sPeople with Parkinson’s disease havehigh rates of depression, anxiety, and stress.If you or someone you know is struggling with their disease or diagnosis, help is available. TheParkinson’s Foundationoffers resources and support, including support groups to help connect you with other patients.

Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson’s

People with Parkinson’s disease havehigh rates of depression, anxiety, and stress.If you or someone you know is struggling with their disease or diagnosis, help is available. TheParkinson’s Foundationoffers resources and support, including support groups to help connect you with other patients.

The cause of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease is unknown. However, damage to a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, and disruption to the key neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, can lead to the development of symptoms.

These brain functions are defined as:

The specific cause of Parkinson’s disease is being studied. Researchers are also examining the impact that genetic predisposition or environmental factors might have in the onset of the condition.

Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease can be challenging, so working with aneurologist(a medical doctor who specializes in the nerves and nervous system), and other specialists can be beneficial.

Because some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease mimic other medical conditions, it’s important to discuss symptoms early with your healthcare provider so they can rule out other diseases or forms of Parkinson’s.

Unfortunately, there is not a single or definitive test for identifying idiopathic Parkinson’s. A healthcare provider will collect a full medical history and conduct a physical examination to check and monitor symptoms.

Imaging tests may be used to rule out other conditions, including:

Once a healthcare provider determines a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, planning for treatment can begin.

Prevalence of Parkinson’s DiseaseApproximately 0.3% of the population has Parkinson’s disease. With onset being between ages 55 and 65, about 1%–2% of people over the age of 60 are living with the condition. The incidence of Parkinson’s increases with age, with the highest rate occurring in those between 85 and 89 years old.

Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease

Approximately 0.3% of the population has Parkinson’s disease. With onset being between ages 55 and 65, about 1%–2% of people over the age of 60 are living with the condition. The incidence of Parkinson’s increases with age, with the highest rate occurring in those between 85 and 89 years old.

Treatment for Parkinson’s diseasemay look different for everyone. Patients, healthcare providers, and specialists will collaborate to determine the best course of treatment for each individual based on their medical history, symptoms, and overall health.

There are a variety of treatment options that may be needed in combination to manage symptoms, including:

Ultimately, because Parkinson’s can be difficult to manage, especially as it progresses, treatment may vary and change to meet a patient’s needs. A medical care team may introduce new medications, adjust dosages, or add additional treatments like psychotherapy or physical and occupational therapy to help patients operate safely and independently as long as they are able.

Types of Parkinson’s Disease

A Word From Verywell

A diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease may seem scary and overwhelming, especially when you consider the physical and lifestyles changes it means. Though there is no cure for idiopathic Parkinson’s, treatment is available to support individuals in maintaining a sense of independence for as long as possible. A combination of medications and therapies can help you manage your quality of life. Finding a specialist is the first step in getting a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan to meet your individual needs.

7 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.Schulz-Schaeffer W.Is cell death primary or secondary in the pathophysiology of idiopathic parkinson’s disease?Biomolecules. 2015;5(3):1467-1479. doi:10.3390/biom5031467Parkinson’s Foundation.Types of Parkinsonisms.Cleveland Clinic.Parkinson’s disease.Hemmerle AM, Herman JP, Seroogy KB.Stress, depression and Parkinson’s disease.Experimental Neurology. 2012;233(1):79-86. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.09.035Jankovic J.Parkinson’s disease: clinical features and diagnosis.Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 2008;79(4):368-376. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2007.131045Rizek P, Kumar N, Jog MS.An update on the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease.CMAJ. 2016;188(16):1157-1165. doi:10.1503/cmaj.151179Parkinson’s Foundation.Treatment.

7 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.Schulz-Schaeffer W.Is cell death primary or secondary in the pathophysiology of idiopathic parkinson’s disease?Biomolecules. 2015;5(3):1467-1479. doi:10.3390/biom5031467Parkinson’s Foundation.Types of Parkinsonisms.Cleveland Clinic.Parkinson’s disease.Hemmerle AM, Herman JP, Seroogy KB.Stress, depression and Parkinson’s disease.Experimental Neurology. 2012;233(1):79-86. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.09.035Jankovic J.Parkinson’s disease: clinical features and diagnosis.Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 2008;79(4):368-376. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2007.131045Rizek P, Kumar N, Jog MS.An update on the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease.CMAJ. 2016;188(16):1157-1165. doi:10.1503/cmaj.151179Parkinson’s Foundation.Treatment.

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.

Schulz-Schaeffer W.Is cell death primary or secondary in the pathophysiology of idiopathic parkinson’s disease?Biomolecules. 2015;5(3):1467-1479. doi:10.3390/biom5031467Parkinson’s Foundation.Types of Parkinsonisms.Cleveland Clinic.Parkinson’s disease.Hemmerle AM, Herman JP, Seroogy KB.Stress, depression and Parkinson’s disease.Experimental Neurology. 2012;233(1):79-86. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.09.035Jankovic J.Parkinson’s disease: clinical features and diagnosis.Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 2008;79(4):368-376. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2007.131045Rizek P, Kumar N, Jog MS.An update on the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease.CMAJ. 2016;188(16):1157-1165. doi:10.1503/cmaj.151179Parkinson’s Foundation.Treatment.

Schulz-Schaeffer W.Is cell death primary or secondary in the pathophysiology of idiopathic parkinson’s disease?Biomolecules. 2015;5(3):1467-1479. doi:10.3390/biom5031467

Parkinson’s Foundation.Types of Parkinsonisms.

Cleveland Clinic.Parkinson’s disease.

Hemmerle AM, Herman JP, Seroogy KB.Stress, depression and Parkinson’s disease.Experimental Neurology. 2012;233(1):79-86. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.09.035

Jankovic J.Parkinson’s disease: clinical features and diagnosis.Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 2008;79(4):368-376. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2007.131045

Rizek P, Kumar N, Jog MS.An update on the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease.CMAJ. 2016;188(16):1157-1165. doi:10.1503/cmaj.151179

Parkinson’s Foundation.Treatment.

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