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Parkinsonism is a generic term for a group of symptoms that can be seen in someone with Parkinson's disease such as tremor, stiffness, and slowness of movement. There are several conditions other than Parkinson's disease which can cause these symptoms.

In the early stages, it can be difficult to diagnose Parkinson's disease. The early symptoms of the disease can come and go. You might think you are just stiff or having cramps. Four typical signs of PD are rigidity, slow movement, tremors and postural instability.

The average age of diagnosis is around 62. When an individual is diagnosed with PD before the age of 50, the disorder is called young-onset Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's is chronic and slowly progressive, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over a period of years. Parkinson's is not considered a fatal disease. And the way that it progresses is different for everyone: Movement symptoms vary from person to person, and so does the rate at which they progress.

Imaging tests such as MRI, ultrasound of the brain, SPECT and PET scans may also be used to help rule out other disorders. Imaging tests aren't particularly helpful for diagnosing Parkinson's disease. In addition to your examination, your physician may give you carbidopa-levodopa, a Parkinson's disease treatment.

In the United States, Parkinson disease occurs in approximately 13 per 100,000 people, and about 60,000 new cases are identified each year. The late-onset form is the most common type of Parkinson disease, and the risk of developing this condition increases with age.