|  | Conditions Treatments | Neurological Disorders

Mortality Rate of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is an incurable condition that affects mainly aging individuals and causes the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells which control motor skills. The disease progressively worsens and mortality rates are higher for older individuals.

  1. Features

    • The disease causes four primary symptoms: tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability. It affects individuals differently, with some becoming severely disabled and others displaying only mild symptoms.

    Risk

    • Parkinson's disease affects men and women of all ethnicities and is found worldwide. The disorder is age-related, with a median onset of age 65.

    The Facts

    • Individuals diagnosed have more than a twofold increase in mortality rate over peers in similar age groups. The disease has a mean duration until death of 9.1 years.

    Significance

    • Medications can sometimes be used to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, but there is currently no cure. Individuals diagnosed with the condition will suffer from symptoms for the remainder of their lives.

    Trends

    • Doctors have noted an increased rate of early-onset cases in recent years.

Neurological Disorders - Related Articles