Shift to Older Age Distribution in Parkinsonism

Abstract

In 1955, it was noted that the age distribution of 331 Parkinson patients had shifted to a peak between 60-70 years from a peak of 55 years in 1948. In a study of 2 other groups, it was confirmed that there was a constant shift of the age distribution curve. This shift included an increase in older age patients, and a decrease of the younger age patients, suggesting that the group as a whole was getting older. Data on the age of onset, date of birth, history of encephalitis or influenza from 1917-1926, and presenting symptom of the Parkinsonism were also collected in the study. A history of ''flu or encephalitis in the world-wide epidemic was present in 56% of all patients. Tremor or rigidity was presenting symptom in 80% of the cases, giving the disease a more specific identifiable point. Since 71% began their disease in the period 1945-1954, a common link with the 10-year flu epidemic was suggested. There was a significant drop in patients beginning Parkinsonism in 1955, suggesting the possibility of reduction in new patients over the next 5 years.