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Risk Factors for Parkinson Disease

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Risk Factors for Parkinson Disease

A risk factor raises your chances of getting a health problem. You can get Parkinson disease with or without the ones listed here. But the more you have, the greater your chances are of getting it.

Parkinson disease is more common in people over 65 years of age. Other things that may raise the risk are:

Family History

Parkinson disease is more common in people with certain gene changes. It is also more common in people who have family members with the disease.

Occupational and Environmental Factors

Exposure to pesticides may raise the risk. The risk is greater in people who work on farms. People who drink well water also have a higher risk.

Other Health Conditions

Other health problems that may raise the risk are:

References

  • Gardner, R.C., Byers, A.L., et al. Mild TBI and risk of Parkinson disease: a Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium study. Neurology, 2018; 90(20): e1771-e1779.
  • Homayoun H. Parkinson Disease. Ann Intern Med. 2018; 169(5): ITC33-ITC48.
  • Mertsalmi T.H., Pekkonen E., et al. Antibiotic exposure and risk of Parkinson’s disease in Finland: a nationwide case-control study. Mov Disord., 2020; 35(3): 431-442.
  • Parkinson disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/parkinson-disease. Accessed April 5, 2022.
  • Parkinson disease. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/movement-and-cerebellar-disorders/parkinson-disease. Accessed April 5, 2022.
  • Parkinson's disease. American Association of Neurological Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Parkinsons-Disease. Accessed April 5, 2022.
  • Parkinson's disease information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Parkinsons-Disease-Information-Page. Accessed April 5, 2022.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-03-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.