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Risk Factors for Parkinson’s Disease

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop Parkinson’s disease with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors include:
Most people develop Parkinson’s disease after the age of 50 (age of onset ranges from 35-85). It is relatively unusual to develop Parkinson’s disease before the age of 40, although it is certainly possible.
Men are about 1.5 times more likely than women to develop Parkinson’s disease.
A number of genes have been associated with Parkinson's disease. People with these abnormal genes may develop Parkinson's disease at a younger age, typically before the age of 50. This type of Parkinson's tends to run in families. However, the vast majority of Parkinson's disease occurs in older individuals (over the age of 60), and the role of genetics in these individuals is less clear.
Research suggests that blacks and Asians have a slightly lower rate of Parkinson’s disease than whites.
Exposure to chemicals, such as herbicides and pesticides, is thought to increase your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. You also have a greater risk of Parkinson’s disease if you live in a rural area, drink well water, or live on a farm (perhaps due to an increased exposure to herbicides and pesticides). People who smoke tobacco or ingest caffeine may have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.
You may have a higher risk of Parkinson's disease if you had certain health conditions, such as:

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Revision Information

  • Reviewer: Rimas Lukas, MD
  • Review Date: 09/2012 -
  • Update Date: 00/91/2012 -

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.

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