Who gets Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is generally considered to be a neurological disorder that affects the older population, but more than 1 in 10 people with PD are diagnosed before the age of 50 years. PD is globally distributed, affecting all cultures and races, including an estimated 1.2 million people in Europe. Nowadays, with people living longer, PD is set to become more common with the overall rise in the number of elderly people worldwide.

Although, at present, there is no cure for PD, the symptoms can generally be treated effectively by using a variety of medications (see Treating with medications). These medications help each person diagnosed with PD to carry on with everyday life and people with PD can continue to enjoy a good quality of life for many years.

PD is already an important area for medical research. However, with growing numbers of people with PD, there will be an even greater drive to develop new treatments. In addition, care and support facilities will become more experienced in coping with the challenges of PD.