Parkinson’s disease, the fastest-growing neurological disorder worldwide, affects over 10 million people, including up to 150,000 Australians. A new large-scale study of nearly 11,000 Australians with Parkinson’s reveals significant differences in symptoms and risk factors between men and women.
The study, led by the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, found that women tend to develop symptoms slightly earlier than men (average age 63.7 versus 64.4) and are more likely to experience pain (70% versus 63%) and falls (45% versus 41%). Men, on the other hand, report more memory changes (67% versus 61%) and impulsive behaviours, particularly related to sex (56% versus 19%).
Non-motor symptoms are extremely common: 96% of participants reported sleep disturbances, 66% experienced pain or dizziness, 65% had memory changes, and 52% lost their sense of smell. The study also highlighted environmental risk factors, with men significantly more likely to have been exposed to pesticides, solvents, and head injuries.
Parkinson’s is 1.5 times more common in men, and the average age of diagnosis is 68. While 25% of participants had a family history of the disease, only 10-15% of cases are linked to specific genetic mutations. Most cases are thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and age-related factors.
The study’s authors note limitations: only 6% of invited participants took part, and 93% had European ancestry, meaning the findings may not be fully representative. Future research will use smartphones and wearable devices to collect more objective data.
