Each of us, no matter our age or lifestyle practices, hold characteristics that increase our chance of getting diagnosed with certain diseases. These are called risk factors. Having a risk factor doesn’t guarantee disease, and research is brimming with groundbreaking insights into how we can best care for our brain and limit risk.
Risk Factors for Parkinson’s
Risk factors include acting out dreams while asleep, loss of smell, certain genetic mutations (e.g., GBA and LRRK2), serving in the military, family connection and age. Having a risk factor doesn’t guarantee Parkinson's disease. Learn more about causes of PD.
Know Your Risk for Parkinson's
What’s the Connection between Sleep and Brain Disease?
Some people act out their dreams while asleep. They may punch, kick or yell. This is REM sleep behavior disorder, or RBD. Learn more in our animated video, narrated by comedian and actor Mike Birbiglia.
Your Nose Knows: How to Keep Your Brain Healthy at Every Age
Loss of smell is one of the most important signals of Parkinson’s risk. A simple scratch-and-sniff test could help you monitor your brain health. Learn more in our animated video, narrated by MJFF Board member and NBC's Sunday TODAY anchor Willie Geist.
If My Family Member Has Parkinson’s, Will I Get the Disease?
At some point, many family members of people with PD wonder if they could get Parkinson’s or pass it to their children. Learn more in this animated video, narrated by MJFF Board member and host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior Akbar Gbajabiamila.
A Guide to Caring for Your Magnificent Brain
Written by Rachel Dolhun, MD, MJFF senior vice president of medical communications, this comprehensive guide explores the concept of being at risk for brain disease and offers easy-to-follow steps to support your brain health.
Your Nose Knows
A simple scratch-and-sniff test could help scientists learn more about brain health. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is asking everyone 60 and up without Parkinson's disease to take a free smell test.