Greatest Risk of Injury for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is an incurable, progressive motor and nervous system disorder. The cause is not known, but genetics, age and toxin exposure may play a role. A person's movement is most affected with this disease. As a result, one of the greatest risks is injury caused by falls.

Disease facts

• According to the Mayo Clinic, more men than women are affected by the disease. It is not typical among young people. Parkinson's disease often begins in middle age and the risk increases with age. Certain chemicals, such as pesticides, may also increase risk.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include slowed (bradykinesia) or deliberate movement; hand tremors; muscle rigidity; loss of autonomic movements like blinking; dementia; and difficulty talking and swallowing.

Associated risks

• Having the disease poses additional risks. People with Parkinson's disease are more likely than others to experience falls, depression, urinary and constipation issues, problems sleeping and sexual dysfunction.

Falling

• According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 68 percent of people who have Parkinson's disease may experience falls. The muscular and movement symptoms greatly affect the ability to walk properly and medications may add to the problem.

Fear of falling

• Not only there increased risk of falling, but the fear of falling in individuals affected is high, according to the foundation. That lowers the quality of life and may become incapacitating. With the fear comes avoidance of activities, isolation and increased risk for depression.