What Increases Your Risk

Risk factors for Parkinson's disease are hard to identify, because the cause of the disease is unknown. Advancing age is the only known risk factor for typical Parkinson's disease (not including early-onset Parkinson's). Most instances of Parkinson's disease occur after age 50, although the illness does occur in people between the ages of 30 and 50, or in rare cases at a younger age.

A very small number of people with Parkinson's have a close relative who also has the disease. But it does not appear that a family history of typical Parkinson's disease significantly increases your risk for the disease. Having a family history of the disease is a more significant risk factor in cases of early-onset Parkinson's disease, but this form of the disease is not common.

Some research suggests that long-term exposure to certain environmental factors such as pesticides, chemicals, or well water may increase a person's risk of developing Parkinson's disease. But this has not been proved.

There are many other causes of parkinsonism, which is a group of symptoms that includes tremor, muscle stiffness, slow movement, and unsteady walking. Parkinsonism mimics Parkinson's disease, but in fact is not Parkinson's disease.

When To Call a Doctor

Callor other emergency services immediately if signs of a stroke develop suddenly. These may include:

• Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Sudden trouble speaking.
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
• Sudden problems with walking or balance.
• A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease develop slowly over months.

If you think you may have symptoms of Parkinson's disease, see your doctor. Urgent medical care is not needed if you have had a tremor for some time. But you should discuss the tremor at your next doctor's appointment. If a tremor is affecting your daily activities or if it is a new symptom, see your doctor sooner.

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, call your doctor if:

• You notice any significant change in your symptoms, such as severe episodes of freezing—a sudden loss of mobility—which may affect walking.
• Your response to your medicine changes.
• Any other symptoms occur.
• You have symptoms of depression.
• You or your family notice that you have problems with memory and thinking ability.

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you will need to see members of your health care team regularly (every 3 to 6 months, or as directed) for adjustments in your treatment as your condition changes.

Watchful Waiting

If you notice a tremor developing, watch and record its development. Discuss it with your doctor at the next possible opportunity. A written description will help your doctor make a correct diagnosis. In writing your description, consider the following questions:

• Did the tremor start suddenly or gradually?
• What makes it worse or better?
• What parts of your body are affected?
• Have there been any recent changes in the medicines you are taking or how much you are taking?

For more questions that will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis, read about medical history and Parkinson's disease.

Who To See

The following health professionals can help diagnose or treat Parkinson's disease:

• Family doctor
• Internist
• Neurologist

Other health professionals who may be involved in your care include:

• Physical therapist.
• Occupational therapist.
• Speech therapist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.