Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease affecting dopamine producing cells in the brain. Dopamine is primarily responsible for controlling movement and emotional response. As Parkinson’s progresses and the brain produces less dopamine, individuals will experience various symptoms. Symptoms related to movement can include tremor (shaking), bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity and balance problems. Non-movement symptoms can include depression, anxiety and problems with sleep. Symptoms progress differently for everyone. There is no cure for PD, but treatments and expert care can significantly improve quality of life. Most people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their 60s. About four percent of people are diagnosed before ago 50—this is called Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD). Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease affecting dopamine producing cells in the brain. Dopamine is primarily responsible for controlling movement and emotional response. As Parkinson’s progresses and the brain produces less dopamine, individuals will experience various symptoms. Symptoms related to movement can include tremor (shaking), bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity and balance problems. Non-movement symptoms can include depression, anxiety and problems with sleep. Symptoms progress differently for everyone. There is no cure for PD, but treatments and expert care can significantly improve quality of life. Most people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their 60s. About four percent of people are diagnosed before ago 50—this is called Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD).   How caregivers can help support a Parkinson’s diagnosis Caring for a person with progressive disease can look different for everyone. Care partner responsibilities can include medication management, taking over financial decision-making, and helping a loved with the tasks of daily life.