Parkinson's disease

noun

Par·​kin·​son's disease ˈpär-kən-sənz- 

variants or less commonly Parkinson disease or Parkinson's or Parkinson's syndrome

: a chronic progressive neurological disease chiefly of later life that is linked to decreased dopamine production in the substantia nigra and is marked especially by tremor of resting muscles, rigidity, slowness of movement, impaired balance, and a shuffling gait

called also paralysis agitans

Examples of Parkinson's disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In this latest study, the drug, manufactured by Sanofi, helped slow the progression of motor disability after 12 months in people in an early stage of Parkinson's disease. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024

The late actor had Parkinson's disease, which Garlin noted the comedian had a sense of humor about. —Sabienna Bowman, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024

Small study shows a possible reason some long COVID patients experience 'brain fog' Neither Alzheimer's nor Parkinson's disease has a cure, and most treatments focus on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2024

Last April, Lewis revealed on social media that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and had also undergone multiple surgeries for other issues over the last three years. —Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024

The document reportedly said Parkinson's disease was a secondary cause of death. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 4 Mar. 2024

Another man, shaking from Parkinson's disease, introduced himself as Lt. David Taylor. —Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2024

In 2017, they were sued by plaintiffs with Parkinson's disease. —Cho Park, ABC News, 28 Nov. 2023

Late last year, Fox got candid about living with Parkinson's disease, which he was diagnosed with in 1991. —Lindsay Kimble, Peoplemag, 18 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

James Parkinson †1824 English physician

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Parkinson's disease

noun

Par·​kin·​son's disease ˈpär-kən-sənz- 

: a disease chiefly of later life that tends to get steadily worse and is marked especially by stiff and trembling muscles, slowness of movement, and a shuffling way of walking

Medical Definition

Parkinson's disease

noun

Par·​kin·​son's disease ˈpär-kən-sənz- 

variants also Parkinson disease

-sən-

or Parkinson's

: a chronic progressive neurological disease chiefly of later life that is linked to decreased dopamine production in the substantia nigra, is of unknown cause, and is marked especially by tremor of resting muscles, rigidity, slowness of movement, impaired balance, and a shuffling gait

called also paralysis agitans, parkinsonian syndrome, parkinsonism, Parkinson's syndrome