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Info on Parkinson's Disease Risk Assessment

Parkinson's Disease involves a tremor, slowing or freezing in a person's movement. According to Parkinsons.org, about 1 in 300 people are affected by Parkinson's Disease. This article will address the risk factors most commonly associated with the probability of developing Parkinson's Disease.

  1. Age

    • Though some show signs in young adulthood, Parkinson's Disease generally appears in mid to late adulthood. One risk factor that applies to everyone is age. (MayoClinic.com)

    Gender

    • More men than women are affected by Parkinson's. The reasons for this are still unclear, but two theories are: 1. Exposure to other risk factors 2. There may be a genetic link to the" X" chromosome. (Parkinsons.org)

    Family History

    • If there is a close relative with Parkinson's, you may be more likely to develop the disease. The likelihood appears to be minimal, but this strengthens the argument for a genetic link. (MayoClinic.com)

    Hormones

    • Post-menopausal women and women who have had hysterectomies are at greater risk for Parkinson's if they do not take some form of estrogen-replacement therapy. (Parkinsons.org)

    Work History

    • People who work in agriculture or farming (pesticides, herbicides, etc.) or who have suffered head trauma and similar injuries appear to be at greater risk for developing Parkinson's. The prevention of dopamine production and free radical damage seems to be linked to Parkinson's. (Parkinsons.org)

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