How do you know if you’re at risk for Parkinson’s?

Age is a major risk factor for Parkinson’s Disease. The incidence of Parkinson’s disease rises starting at age 60, and it is most prevalent in adults who are 80 or older. However, people can develop this disease at any age, even in their 20s.

Young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD): Diagnosed before age 50, YOPD affects about 4% of people with PD in the U.S.

The disease affects slightly more men than women.

While Parkinson’s disease doesn’t tend to run in families, a person’s risk is higher if they have a first-degree relative with the condition. We currently don’t know why a particular individual develops it.

Risk factors for Parkinson's disease include age, family history, and exposure to toxins. However, there is no single test to determine if someone will develop Parkinson's disease. 

Age

• The risk of Parkinson's disease increases with age, and it's most common in people over 60. 

• Parkinson's disease can occur in younger adults, but it's rare. 

Family history

• Having a first-degree relative with Parkinson's disease increases your risk. 

• Up to 15% of people with Parkinson's disease have a family history of the condition. 

Exposure to toxins 

• Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides, herbicides, solvents, metals, and other pollutants, may increase your risk.

• Other factors that may be linked to Parkinson's disease include:

  • Rural living

  • Exposure to well water

  • Tumors in the brain

  • Repeated head trauma

Other risk factors 

• Male sex

• Certain genetic mutations, such as GBA and LRRK2

• Serving in the military

Having a risk factor doesn't guarantee that you'll develop Parkinson's disease. 

Early signs of Parkinson's disease include: 

• Small handwriting

• Loss of smell

• Constipation

• A soft or low voice

• Masked face

• Stooping or hunching over