What Are the Risk Factors for Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease can happen to anyone, but some people have a higher risk than others. Understanding the known risk factors can help you learn more about Parkinson’s without assuming that any single factor caused the disease.
The most important thing to remember? Parkinson’s is rarely explained by one cause. Instead, researchers believe that genetics, aging and environmental exposures can interact in complicated ways—sometimes over many years before symptoms become noticeable.

Age Is the Biggest Risk Factor for Parkinson’s
Age is the strongest known risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. Most people develop Parkinson’s after age 60, although younger people can also develop the disease. Approximately 4% of people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before age 50, which is generally referred to as young-onset Parkinson’s disease. 
Getting older does not mean that someone will develop Parkinson’s. It simply means the likelihood increases with age.
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Genetics and Family History
Genetics can play an important role in Parkinson’s, particularly in people who develop symptoms at a younger age or have several relatives with Parkinson’s.
Researchers have identified multiple genes associated with Parkinson’s, including LRRK2, GBA, SNCA and PRKN. However, having a Parkinson’s-related genetic variant does not necessarily mean that someone will develop the disease. 

Only a minority of Parkinson’s cases have a known genetic connection. Most people with Parkinson’s do not have a clearly identifiable inherited cause.
If several members of a family have Parkinson’s, talking with a neurologist or genetic counselor may help determine whether genetic testing is appropriate.

Environmental Exposures
​Researchers have identified several environmental factors associated with Parkinson’s disease.
One of the strongest areas of evidence involves pesticide and herbicide exposure. Certain chemicals, including paraquat, have been associated with increased Parkinson’s risk. Research has also investigated exposure to solvents, metals and other environmental contaminants. 
Importantly, exposure does not mean Parkinson’s is inevitable. Many people exposed to these substances never develop Parkinson’s, while some people who develop Parkinson’s have no obvious history of exposure.

​Traumatic Brain Injury
A history of significant traumatic brain injury has also been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s later in life.
Researchers continue to study why this relationship exists. A severe head injury may affect brain systems in ways that contribute to later neurological problems, but it does not mean that every person who experiences a head injury will develop Parkinson’s. 

Sex and Parkinson’s Risk
Parkinson’s disease is more common in men than women. The Parkinson’s Foundation reports that men are approximately 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s. Researchers continue to investigate why this difference exists and whether biological, hormonal, genetic or environmental factors may contribute. 
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Can Parkinson’s Disease Be Prevented?
There is currently no guaranteed way to prevent Parkinson’s disease.
That is because many of the factors associated with Parkinson’s—such as age and genetics—cannot be changed. Researchers are studying how environmental exposures, genetics, inflammation, brain health and other biological processes interact in hopes of eventually identifying ways to prevent or delay Parkinson’s.
Rather than focusing on whether one particular event “caused” Parkinson’s, it is more helpful to understand that the disease likely develops through a combination of factors that can differ from person to person.

Questions People Ask About Parkinson’s Risk Factors
What is the biggest risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?
Age is the strongest known risk factor. Parkinson’s becomes more common as people get older.

Is Parkinson’s disease hereditary?
Usually not. Most Parkinson’s cases do not have a known inherited genetic cause, although certain genetic variants can increase risk.

Does having a family member with Parkinson’s increase my risk?
Yes. A family history can increase risk, particularly when multiple relatives have Parkinson’s or when symptoms develop at a younger age.

Can pesticides cause Parkinson’s disease?
Certain pesticide and herbicide exposures have been associated with increased Parkinson’s risk. However, exposure does not mean that a person will necessarily develop Parkinson’s.

Can a head injury cause Parkinson’s?
Significant traumatic brain injury has been associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s later in life, although most people who experience a head injury do not develop Parkinson’s.

Can lifestyle changes prevent Parkinson’s?
There is no proven way to completely prevent Parkinson’s. Maintaining overall health through regular physical activity, nutritious eating, adequate sleep and management of other health conditions can support general brain and physical health.
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​Conclusion
Parkinson’s disease is complex, and there is no single explanation for why one person develops it while another does not. Age, genetics, family history, sex, traumatic brain injury and certain environmental exposures are among the factors associated with Parkinson’s risk.
Understanding these factors can provide useful information, but it should not create fear or blame. Having a risk factor does not mean Parkinson’s is inevitable, and many people who develop Parkinson’s have no obvious risk factors at all.
If you are experiencing possible Parkinson’s symptoms—or are concerned because of your family history or other risk factors—talk with a healthcare professional for an appropriate evaluation.

Why Support Matters
A diagnosis of any form of Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. But with the right support and resources, individuals can maintain independence, quality of life, and emotional well-being.
For resources, referrals, and support in navigating Parkinson’s and related conditions, contact the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida at www.paswfl.org or call 239-417-3465.
For over 25 years, PASWFL has provided free, high-quality services and programs to individuals and families touched by Parkinson’s disease in Southwest Florida. Their goal is simple: help people live well with PD, regardless of where they are in their journey.
Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups, including:

• Wellness and fitness classes
• Speech Exercise classes
• Educational seminars
• Support for care partners
• Support groups

There are no fees to become a member, and PASWFL welcomes anyone touched by PD.

Take the First Step Toward Living Well
If you suspect early Parkinson’s or have been recently diagnosed, you don’t have to face it alone.
👉 Click here to sign up for the PASWFL newsletter:
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup-enews.html
👉 Click here to become a member…it’s free and confidential:
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup.html
To learn more, visit www.paswfl.org and discover the power of support, education, and community.