National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Parkinson disease

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Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
Parkinson's disease; Paralysis agitans; Shaking palsy; Parkinson's disease; Paralysis agitans; Shaking palsy; Primary parkinsonism See More
Subtypes:
Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurologic disease that affects the movement. The four main symptoms are tremors of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head, specially at rest; rigidity, or stiffness; bradykinesia, or slow movement; and postural instability or inability to find balance. The symptoms start slowly, but progress over time, impairing  everyday activities such as walking, talking, or completing simple tasks. Other symptoms may include emotional problems, trouble swallowing and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; sleep problems, low blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down (postural hypotension), and inexpressive face. Some people will loose their mental abilities (dementia).[1][2][3]  

Parkinson disease affects several regions of the brain, especially a region known as "substantia nigra" that helps controlling balance and movement. Most cases of PD are sporadic (with no family history), and with onset around 60 years of age; onset before age 20 years is considered to be juvenile-onset Parkinson disease, and after age 50 years is considered late-onset Parkinson disease. However, in some families, there are several cases of Parkinson disease. Familial cases of Parkinson disease, and maybe some sporadic cases, can be caused by changes (mutations) in several genes, such as:[1][2][4] 
  • Mutations in the SNCA (PARK1), LRRK2 (PARK8), and VPS35 (PARK17) genes are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
  • Mutations in genes PARK2, PARK7, and PINK1 (PARK6) appear to be inherited in a recessive manner.
  • Very rare mutations in the TAF1 gene cause Parkinson disease with X-linked inheritance.
  • Mutations in some genes, including GBA and UCHL1 (PARK 5), do not seem to cause Parkinson disease, but to increase the risk of developing the disease in some families.
Autosomal recessive PD have earlier onset than autosomal dominant PD. Some studies suggest that these genes are also involved in early-onset or juvenile PD. However, inheriting a mutation does not always mean that a person will have Parkinson's disease, because there may be other genes and environmental factors determining who will develop Parkinson disease.[2]

Treatment is usually based on a medication known as levodopa. Other medication includes bromocriptine, pramipexole, ropinirole, amantadine, rasagiline and safinamide.  Deep brain stimulation (DBS) a surgical procedure where electrodes are implanted into the brain may be useful for some people.[3][2] Prognosis varies, and while some people become disabled, others will have only minor movement problems.[2] Studies have shown that people with PD who have cognitive impairment, postural hypotension, and sleep problems may have a more rapid progression of the disease.[5]
Last updated: 11/16/2017
A number of disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of Parkinson disease. People with symptoms that resemble Parkinson disease but that result from other causes are sometimes said to have parkinsonism. Some of these disorders are listed below.[2]

  • Postencephalitic parkinsonism
  • Drug-induced parkinsonism
  • Toxin-induced parkinsonism
  • Arteriosclerotic parkinsonism
  • Parkinsonism-dementia complex of Guam
  • Post-traumatic parkinsonism 
  • Essential tremor
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus 
  • Progressive supranuclear palsy
  • Corticobasal degeneration 
  • Multiple system atrophy 
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies 

More information on each of these conditions is available in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) publication, Parkinson's Disease: Hope Through Research. 

Parkinsonian symptoms may also appear in patients with other, clearly distinct neurological disorders such as Wilson disease, Huntington disease, Alzheimer disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Each of these disorders has specific features that help to distinguish them from Parkinson disease.[2]

Last updated: 7/19/2010

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

Showing of 28 |
Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
5%-29% of people have these symptoms
Abnormal autonomic nervous system physiology 0012332
Hallucinations
Hallucination
Sensory hallucination
[ more ] 		0000738
Percent of people who have these symptoms is not available through HPO
Autosomal dominant inheritance 0000006
Bradykinesia
Slow movements
Slowness of movements
[ more ] 		0002067
Constipation 0002019
Dementia
Dementia, progressive
Progressive dementia
[ more ] 		0000726
Depressivity
Depression
0000716
Dysarthria
Difficulty articulating speech
0001260
Dysphagia
Poor swallowing
Swallowing difficulties
Swallowing difficulty
[ more ] 		0002015
Dystonia 0001332
Insidious onset
Gradual onset
0003587
Lewy bodies 0100315
Mask-like facies
Expressionless face
Lack of facial expression
Mask-like facial appearance
[ more ] 		0000298
Micrographia 0031908
Neuronal loss in central nervous system
Loss of brain cells
0002529
Parkinsonism 0001300
Personality changes
Personality change
0000751
Postural instability
Balance impairment
0002172
Progressive
Worsens with time
0003676
Resting tremor
Tremor at rest
0002322
Rigidity
Muscle rigidity
0002063
Short stepped shuffling gait
Short stepped shuffling walk
0007311
Sleep disturbance
Difficulty sleeping
Trouble sleeping
[ more ] 		0002360
Sporadic
No previous family history
0003745
Substantia nigra gliosis 0011960
Tremor 0001337
Urinary urgency
Overactive bladder
0000012
Weak voice
Soft voice
0001621
Showing of 28 |
Last updated: 7/1/2020
Parkinson disease occurs when the nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine, a chemical messenger which transmits signals within the brain to produce smooth physical movements, are slowly destroyed. Without dopamine, the nerve cells in the part of the brain known as the substantia nigra cannot properly send messages. This leads to progressive loss of muscle function. Exactly why these brain cells waste away is unknown.[2][6] Recent studies have shown that people with Parkinson disease also experience damage to the nerve endings that produce the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Norepinephrine, which is closely related to dopamine, is the main chemical messenger of the sympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that controls the automatic functions of the body, including pulse and blood pressure. The loss of norepinephrine may explain some of the non-motor features seen in Parkinson disease, including fatigue and problems with blood pressure regulation.[2] 

More detailed information about the cause of Parkinson disease is available through an information page developed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Click here to view this information.

Last updated: 10/3/2011
Most cases of Parkinson disease are classified as sporadic and occur in people with no apparent history of the disorder in their family. Although the cause of these cases remains unclear, sporadic cases probably result from a complex interaction of environmental and genetic factors. Additionally, certain drugs may cause Parkinson-like symptoms.[7]

Approximately 15 percent of people with Parkinson disease have a family history of the disorder. These familial cases are caused by mutations in the LRRK2, PARK2, PARK7, PINK1, or SNCA gene, or by alterations in genes that have not yet been identified. Mutations in some of these genes may also play a role in cases that appear to be sporadic.[7]

It is not fully understood how mutations in the LRRK2, PARK2, PARK7, PINK1, or SNCA gene cause Parkinson disease. Some mutations appear to disturb the cell machinery that breaks down (degrades) unwanted proteins. As a result, un-degraded proteins accumulate, leading to the impairment or death of dopamine-producing neurons. Other mutations may involve mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells. As a byproduct of energy production, mitochondria make unstable molecules, called free radicals, that can damage the cell. Normally, the cell neutralizes free radicals, but some gene mutations may disrupt this neutralization process. As a result, free radicals may accumulate and impair or kill dopamine-producing neurons.[7]

In some families, alterations in the GBA, SNCAIP, or UCHL1 gene appear to modify the risk of developing Parkinson disease. Researchers have identified some genetic changes that may reduce the risk of developing the disease, while other gene alterations seem to increase the risk.[7]

Last updated: 10/3/2011
There are currently no blood or laboratory tests that have been proven to help diagnose sporadic cases of Parkinson disease. The diagnosis is generally made after careful evaluation of medical history, current symptoms, and exclusion of other conditions.[2] The clinical findings of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia are highly suggestive of Parkinson disease. The genetic cause of some forms of Parkinson disease has been identified. In those cases, genetic testing may be utilized to identify affected family members.[4]
Last updated: 10/3/2011

The resources below provide information about treatment options for this condition. If you have questions about which treatment is right for you, talk to your healthcare professional.

Management Guidelines

  • The National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) is a public resource for evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. The NGC was originally created by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in partnership with the American Medical Association and the American Association of Health Plans.

FDA-Approved Treatments

The medication(s) listed below have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as orphan products for treatment of this condition. Learn more orphan products.

  • Apomorphine HCL (Brand name: Apokyn®) - Manufactured by Ipsen Limited
    FDA-approved indication: For the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility, "off" episodes ("end-of-dose-wearing-off" and unpredictable :on/off" episodes) associated with advanced Parkinson's disease
    National Library of Medicine Drug Information Portal
    Medline Plus Health Information
  • Selegiline HCl (Brand name: Eldepryl) - Manufactured by Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    FDA-approved indication: As an adjuvant to levodopa and carbidopa treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (paralysis agitans), postencephalitic Parkinsonism, and symptomatic Parkinsonism.
    National Library of Medicine Drug Information Portal
    Medline Plus Health Information
  • Droxidopa (Brand name: Northera) - Manufactured by Chelsea Therapeutics, Inc.
    FDA-approved indication: February 2014, Droxidopa (Northera) was approved for the treatment of orthostatic dizziness, lightheadedness, or the "feeling that you are about to black out" in adult patients with symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension caused by primary autonomic failure (Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure), dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency, and non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy.
    National Library of Medicine Drug Information Portal
    Medline Plus Health Information

If you need medical advice, you can look for doctors or other healthcare professionals who have experience with this disease. You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.

If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists. They may be able to refer you to someone they know through conferences or research efforts. Some specialists may be willing to consult with you or your local doctors over the phone or by email if you can't travel to them for care.

You can find more tips in our guide, How to Find a Disease Specialist. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this page to find resources that can help you find specialists.

Healthcare Resources

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Parkinson disease. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

Financial Resources

  • Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN Foundation) has Assistance Programs for those with health insurance who reside in the United States. The disease fund status can change over time, so you may need to check back if funds are not currently available. 
  • The Social Security Administration has included this condition in their Compassionate Allowances Initiative. This initiative speeds up the processing of disability claims for applicants with certain medical conditions that cause severe disability. More information about Compassionate Allowances and applying for Social Security disability is available online.
  • The Assistance Fund provides various services, including education and financial aid, to help patients with a chronic or serious illness cover the cost of FDA-approved medications. Patients must be U.S citizens or permanent residents.

Community Resources

  • The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has information on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues related to this condition. JAN is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the U.S. Department of Labor.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The Genetic Alliance is an international coalition comprised of more than 600 advocacy, research and health care organizations representing millions of individuals with genetic conditions. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Parkinson disease. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition for patients and caregivers. 
  • The National Human Genome Research Institute's (NHGRI) website has an information page on this topic. NHGRI is part of the National Institutes of Health and supports research on the structure and function of the human genome and its role in health and disease.
  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • GeneReviews provides current, expert-authored, peer-reviewed, full-text articles describing the application of genetic testing to the diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling of patients with specific inherited conditions.
  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • MeSH® (Medical Subject Headings) is a terminology tool used by the National Library of Medicine. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Parkinson disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • Multiple members of my family have been diagnosed with Parkinson disease, however there appears to be only one case of parent to child transmission.  How does Parkinson disease run in families? See answer

  • The woman I would like to marry has a family history of Parkinson disease. How is this condition inherited? How is it diagnosed? Is genetic testing available? See answer

  • Are there any diseases that have similar symptoms to Parkinson disease? See answer


  1. Learning about Parkinson Disease. National Human Genome Research Institute. March 14, 2014; http://www.genome.gov/10001217.
  2. Parkinson's Disease: Hope Through Research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/detail_parkinsons_disease.htm#127443159.
  3. Parkinson's disease. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/tc/parkinsons-disease-topic-overview#1.
  4. Pankratz ND, Wojcieszek J & Foroud T. Parkinson Disease Overview. GeneReviews. 2015; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1223/.
  5. Barclay LL. Predicting Prognosis in Parkinson Disease. Medscape Reference. September 4, 2015; https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/850159.
  6. Parkinson’s disease. MedlinePlus. May 6, 2011; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000755.htm. Accessed 10/3/2011.
  7. Parkinson disease. Genetics Home Reference (GHR). July 2007; http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/parkinson-disease. Accessed 10/3/2011.