Causes
... In the nearly 200 years since Parkinson''s disease was first described, researchers have come to understand some of the processes of this complex disorder. They now know that Parkinson''s disease occu...

Risk factors
... Age is one of the main risk factors for Parkinson''s disease. Although the disease can affect adults in their 20s, it ordinarily starts in middle or late life. The risk continues to increase with age....

When to seek medical advice
... It''s important to see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms associated with Parkinson''s disease — not only to diagnose the illness but also to rule out other causes for your problem. For...

Screening and diagnosis
... Because no definitive tests exist for Parkinson''s, the disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. What''s more, signs and symptoms of Parkinson''s disease — including...

Parkinson’s Disease: Causes
... What are the causes of Parkinson’s Disease?Parkinson’s disease is caused by the progressive impairment or deterioration of neurons (nerve cells) in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra. ...

Parkinson''s Disease: A Difficult Diagnosis
... Diagnosing Parkinson''s disease is often difficult, especially in its early stages. It is estimated that nearly 40 percent of patients may not be diagnosed, and as many as 25 percent are misdiagnosed....