Parkinson's disease

American  

Or Parkinson disease

noun

Pathology.

1. a common neurologic disease believed to be caused by deterioration of the brain cells that produce dopamine, occurring primarily after the age of 60, characterized by tremors, especially of the fingers and hands, muscle rigidity, shuffling gait, slow speech, and a masklike facial expression.

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Parkinson's disease British  

/ ˈpɑːkɪnsənz /

noun

1. Also called: Parkinsonism.   Parkinson's syndrome.   paralysis agitans.   shaking palsy.  Often shortened to: Parkinson's.  a progressive chronic disorder of the central nervous system characterized by impaired muscular coordination and tremor

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Parkinson's disease Scientific  

/ pär′kĭn-sənz /

1. A progressive neurologic disease occurring most often after the age of 50, associated with the destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine. Individuals with Parkinson's disease exhibit tremors while at rest, slowing of movement, stiffening of gait and posture, and weakness. The disease is named after its discoverer, British physician and paleontologist James Parkinson (1755–1824).

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Parkinson's disease Cultural  

1. A chronic disease of the nervous system that usually strikes in late adult life, resulting in a gradual decrease in muscle control. Symptoms of the disease include shaking, weakness, and partial paralysis of the face. Certain drugs can help alleviate some of its symptoms.

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Etymology

Origin of Parkinson's disease

Named after James Parkinson (1755–1824), English physician who first described it

Example Sentences

In 2018, the singer — a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame — announced that he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and would stop touring.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Clive Hughes, 77, was diagnosed with PSP in 2022 after his symptoms were first mistaken for Parkinson's disease.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Researchers are also exploring creatine's possible role in health conditions including Parkinson's disease, depression and menopause related muscle and bone loss.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Columnist Jason Gay looks at why pickleball is the optimal activity for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Today, however, we remember him for his landmark study of the affliction then called the "shaking palsy," but known ever since as Parkinson’s disease.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson