Parkinson's disease is a chronic (persistent) neurological condition that affects around 120,000 people in the UK. The condition is named after Dr James Parkinson, who first identified it in 1817.
Parkinson's disease affects the way the brain coordinates body movements, including walking, talking, and writing.
Who is affected by Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease affects both sexes, although, statistically, men are slightly more likely to develop the condition than women.
The risk of getting the condition increases with age, with symptoms usually appearing in those who are over 50 years of age. However, younger people can also be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Young-onset Parkinson's disease
When the symptoms of Parkinson's disease occur in a person between 21 and 40 years of age, it is known as young-onset Parkinson's disease.
Juvenile Parkinson's disease
If a person is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease before 18 years of age, it is known as juvenile Parkinson's disease. However, this is very rare.
Of the 10,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year, in the UK, one in 20 is under 40 years of age.
If you have Parkinson's disease, it is likely to have implications for driving. See the 'useful links' section for how to inform the DVLA about medical conditons.
