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 Parkinson's disease, alpha-synuclein forms abnormal clumps inside neurons.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

Around 2017, Blaustein was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

John, also 62, says a lack of awareness about PSP means the condition can be misdiagnosed as dementia or Parkinson's disease, with patients and their families left confused and isolated.

From BBC • May 6, 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

It was the Megalosaurus, and the name was actually suggested to Buckland by his friend Dr. James Parkinson, the would-be radical and eponym for Parkinson’s disease.

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