Who Gets Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease affects mostly older adults, with about 90% of the known cases diagnosed in people over the age of 60. Within that population, there is some variance, with risk increasing from age 60 through age 75, then dropping off sharply. Currently, Parkinson’s Disease is known to affect about 3% of the population over the age of 65. Using current statistics and the expected aging of the population, experts estimate that that percentage will double in the next 40 years.

When those with mild symptoms of Parkinsonism (symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease that may be caused by other things, or may develop into Parkinson’s Disease), those figures rise dramatically. 15% of those between the ages of 60 and 74 have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Between the ages of 75 and 84, that percentage rises to about 30%.

However, when you look at it in terms of onset of symptoms, the picture changes. Less than 10% of new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed in younger adults – under age 40. The bulk of new diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease are made between the ages of 60 and 75. After age 85, the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease seems to drop off dramatically.

Gender

Men seem to be at higher risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease than women. Men face about twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease as women in every age group. Scientists think that estrogen may play a role in protecting the body from the chemical changes that happen in Parkinson’s Disease. This is further borne out by two facts – women who’ve had hysterectomies have a slightly higher rate of Parkinson’s Disease, and women who’ve had estrogen replacement therapy have a lower rate of Parkinson’s Disease than other women their age.

Parkinson’s Disease seems to progress more rapidly in men than women according to one study, and another found a difference in the way that symptoms present. Men are more prone to rigidity and tremor, and women more at risk for gait disturbance and shuffling.

Ethnicity

Caucasians have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease than either African Americans or Asian Americans. Those of European descent seem most prone to typical Parkinson’s Disease, but some studies suggest that non-Caucasians may be more at risk for a particular type of non-typical parkinsonism that causes a disturbance in thinking.

Heredity

In a small percentage of cases, family history may play a role in the onset of Parkinson’s Disease. People who have parents or brothers and sisters who had young-onset Parkinson’s Disease, in which symptoms develop before the age of 40, are more likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease than others their age. When Parkinson’s Disease was diagnosed at older ages, family history seems to play no part.

Cigarette Smokers

Oddly, cigarette smokers seem to have a lower incidence of Parkinson’s Disease, which has led researchers to explore the possibility that nicotine may provide some protection from the changes caused by Parkinson’s Disease. They are quick to point out that the other health problems associated with cigarette smoking are far too serious to consider cigarette smoking as a way to avoid getting Parkinson’s Disease.

Coffee Drinkers

Caffeine also seems to have a protective effect against Parkinson’s Disease. A study of Japanese-American men showed that those who regularly drank coffee ran a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease than other men their age. The more coffee they consumed, the lower the risk.