
How prevalent is Parkinson’s disease (PD)?
#2
most common neurodegenerative disorder in the U.S.
~1 MILLION
people in the U.S. have PD
90,000
new diagnoses per year
What symptoms are common in PD?*
Motor symptoms
- Involuntary trembling/tremor or shaking of limbs
- Muscle stiffness
- Slowness starting and continuing movements
- Postural changes
- Writing in smaller handwriting
- Soft or low voice
- “Freezing” of gait or inability to move feet forward
Those with early-onset PD are especially prone to motor symptoms, and tend to develop them more rapidly after treatment is started.

Up to 20% of people with PD experience symptoms before age 50.
Nonmotor symptoms
- Emotional symptoms, including depression and anxiety
- Physical symptoms such as vision problems and digestive disorders
- “Parkinson’s pain,” including neuropathy
- Restless leg syndrome
- Cognitive changes, including Parkinson’s dementia
- Psychiatric issues, such as hallucinations or delusions
*Symptoms and experiences can vary from person to person. It is important that a physician confirm a PD diagnosis.
PD is a progressive disease
As PD progresses, the brain makes less dopamine, causing issues with coordination of movement and balance. The standard treatment is a levodopa-based medication, which replaces dopamine and often works well for several years.
Maximizing GOOD ON time is important as PD progresses
GOOD ON time occurs when a person with PD is not experiencing motor/nonmotor symptoms and is not bothered by dyskinesia. Find out more about OFF time and dyskinesia, and how addressing both is the answer to more GOOD ON time.