Parkinson's disease (PD) in women

Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .

Parkinson's disease (PD) in women. PD is less frequent in women than in men: the ratio is 1:2. Fully referenced neurology checklist.

Demographic features

  • PD is less frequent in women than in men: the ratio is 1:2
  • It starts at a later onset age in women than in men
  • It is more likely to be tremor-dominant in women
  • It progresses more slowly in women
  • Levodopa is more bioavailable in women
  • Women have a better quality of life after deep brain stimulation (DBS)

PD features which are more common in women

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PD features that are less common in women

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Factors worsening PD symptoms in women

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PD management in pregnancy

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References

  1. Picillo M, Nicoletti A, Fetoni V, Garavaglia B, Barone P, Pellecchia MT. The relevance of gender in Parkinson's disease: a review. J Neurol 2017; 264:1583-1607. 
  2. Georgiev D, Hamberg K, Hariz M, Forsgren L, Hariz GM. Gender differences in Parkinson's disease: a clinical perspective. Acta Neurol Scand 2017; 136:570-584. 
  3. Rabin ML, Stevens-Haas C, Havrilla E, Devi T, Kurlan R. Movement disorders in women: a review. Mov Disord 2014; 29:177-183.
  4. Wooten GF, Currie LJ, Bovbjerg VE, Lee JK, Patrie J. Are men at greater risk for Parkinson's disease than women? JNNP 2004; 75:637-639.
  5. Haaxma CA, Bloem BR, Borm GF, et al. Gender differences in Parkinson's disease. JNNP 2007; 78:819-824. 
  6. And 10 more. Subscribe to see the full list

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