Aging & Health A to Z

Parkinson's Disease

Basic Facts & Information

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that makes it increasingly difficult to control the way you move. It is primarily a “movement disorder” but can also cause symptoms that aren’t related to movement.

Parkinson’s is not fatal.  But it is a progressive disease because its symptoms get worse over time. The the rate at which symptoms worsen varies from one person to another. Parkinson’s usually gets worse slowly, over many years.

While there is no cure for the disease, there are medications and treatments that help ease its symptoms. More than a million adults in the US have Parkinson’s disease. 

Updated: March 2012
Posted:  March 2012