Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor at rest, akinesia, rigidity, postural abnormalities, and episodes of motor arrest. Although these motor phenomena constitute the major group of symptoms, there also can be disturbances in other nonmotor spheres of neurologic function, such as cognitive, psychiatric, and autonomic changes.

PD is one of the most common neurologic disorders seen in clinical practice, and it affects all races and both genders with a slight predominance in men. Its incidence is approximately 20 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year; its prevalence ranges from 150 to 200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the general population and increases steadily with age. Prevalence rises to 500 per 100,000 above 50 years of age and to 1% above age 65.<sup>57 Rajput A.H., Offord A.P., Bear C.M. , e al. Epidemiology of Parkinson's disease: Incidence, classification and mortality Ann Neurol 1984 ;  16 : 78-132

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup>