In Parkinson’s disease (synonyms: Idiopathic Parkinson’s syndrome (IPS); Lewy body Parkinson’s disease; Lewy body; paralysis agitans; Parkinson’s disease; Parkinsonism; Parkinson’s disease; Parkinson’s syndrome; Parkinson’s disease; shaking paralysis; ICD-10-GM G20.-: Primary Parkinson’s syndrome) is an extrapyramidal syndrome resulting from degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.
This disorder represents the most common neurological disease of old age.
For subdivision of Parkinson’s syndromes, see Classification.
Sex ratio: Men and women have been equally affected, but a slight increase in men (50-59 years of age) has been observed.According to a recent study, men will be affected more often than women in the future. In men, according to one study, the increase was 24% per decade (RR 1.24; 1.08-1.43); especially in men aged 70 years and older, the incidence rate of parkinsonism (RR 1.24; 1.07-1.44) and Parkinson’s disease (RR 1.35; 1.10-1.65) increased.
Peak incidence: the maximum incidence of PD is between the ages of 55 and 65 years.
The prevalence (disease incidence) is 0.3-0.5% of the population (in Germany). In the group of people over 60 years of age, the prevalence is 1 % and in the group of people over 80 years of age, the prevalence is 1.5-2 %.In Germany, there are approximately 250,000 cases of Parkinson’s disease.
The incidence (frequency of new cases) is 11-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year; for the group of 40-44 year olds it is about 1 case per 100,000 inhabitants per year (in Germany).
Course and prognosis: Parkinson’s disease is progressive and shows a stage-like course associated with various motor, behavioral and psychological impairments. If therapy is given in a timely manner, life expectancy is not limited.
