A slow, ongoing loss of certain brain cells

Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system of the human body. This limits a person's ability to control some of his or her muscles. It’s caused by a slow, gradual loss of certain cells in the brain. These cells make a chemical called dopamine. This chemical is needed for muscles to work normally.

In many people, Parkinson’s disease causes muscle and movement problems. This may be a slight, uncontrolled shaking of the arms and legs, called tremors. At times, muscles may feel somewhat stiff and rigid. The person may have difficulty moving his or her arms and legs. Or, he or she will only be able to move them slowly. Eventually, walking may become a slow process of taking small steps, which is called a shuffling gait.

More common in older people

Parkinson’s disease typically occurs in older people, but it’s not only caused by aging. The most common age at the time of diagnosis is about 60 years.⁶ However, as many as ten percent of people with Parkinson’s disease have symptoms before age 40.⁷ People who develop this disease from age 21 through 40 are said to have “Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease.”⁸ Parkinson’s disease is slightly more common in men than in women.⁹ It’s found around the world in people of all races.⁶

According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Parkinson's disease is estimated to affect as many as 1 million Americans.¹⁰ About 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease every year.¹¹ Boxing champion Muhammad Ali, TV and movie star Michael J. Fox, and former Attorney General Janet Reno are all living with Parkinson's disease.¹²

Scientists do not know what causes Parkinson's disease, but genetics may be a contributing factor. Environmental toxins may also play a role.¹³

Medicines can help

Right now there is no cure for Parkinson's disease. However, there have been major advances in treatment for this disease in recent years. Newer medicines help to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. One of these medicines is MIRAPEX. It’s a dopamine agonist (pronounced DOPE-a-meen AG-oh-nist). MIRAPEX makes the body “think” it’s getting enough dopamine.¹⁴

MIRAPEX has been shown to be effective in treating patients with early disease without the use of levodopa.³ It has also been shown to work in combination with levodopa in patients with advanced disease.^4,5

This section provides information about the early and advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, its effects on lifestyle, and available treatments.