La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP), también denominada mal de Parkinson, parkinsonismo idiopático, parálisis agitante o simplemente párkinson, es un trastorno neurodegenerativo crónico que conduce con el tiempo a una incapacidad progresiva, producido a consecuencia de la destrucción, por causas que todavía se desconocen, de las neuronas pigmentadas de la sustancia negra. Frecuentemente clasificada como un trastorno del movimiento, la enfermedad de Parkinson también desencadena alteraciones en la función cognitiva, en la expresión de las emociones y en la función autónoma. Esta enfermedad representa el segundo trastorno neurodegenerativo por su frecuencia, situándose por detrás de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Está extendida por todo el mundo y afecta tanto al sexo masculino como al femenino, siendo frecuente que aparezca a partir del sexto decenio de vida. Además de esta variedad tardía, existe otra versión precoz que se manifiesta en edades inferiores a los cuarenta años. En la actualidad, el diagnóstico está basado en la clínica, puesto que no se ha identificado ningún marcador biológico de esta enfermedad. Por ello, el diagnóstico de la misma se apoya en la detección de la característica tríada rigidez-temblor-bradicinesia y en la ausencia de síntomas atípicos, aunque también tiene importancia la exclusión de otros posibles trastornos por medio de técnicas de imagen cerebral o de analíticas sanguíneas. En el año 1997, la Organización Mundial de la Salud estableció que el 11 de abril se celebraría el Día mundial del Parkinson, con el objetivo de acrecentar la concientización de las necesidades de las personas aquejadas de esta dolencia. Fue esta la fecha escogida al coincidir con el nacimiento de James Parkinson, el médico británico que describió por primera vez la «parálisis agitante», término que él mismo acuñó.

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Parkinson's disease (PD) is a long-term disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. The symptoms generally come on slowly over time. Early in the disease, the most obvious are shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with walking. Thinking and behavioral problems may also occur. Dementia becomes common in the advanced stages of the disease. Depression and anxiety are also common occurring in more than a third of people with PD. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep, and emotional problems. The main motor symptoms are collectively called "parkinsonism", or a "parkinsonian syndrome". The cause of Parkinson's disease is generally unknown, but believed to involve both genetic and environmental factors. Those with a family member affected are more likely to get the disease themselves. There is also an increased risk in people exposed to certain pesticides and among those who have had prior head injuries while there is a reduced risk in tobacco smokers and those who drink coffee or tea. The motor symptoms of the disease result from the death of cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain. This results in not enough dopamine in these areas. The reason for this cell death is poorly understood but involves the build-up of proteins into Lewy bodies in the neurons. Diagnosis of typical cases is mainly based on symptoms, with tests such as neuroimaging being used to rule out other diseases. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. Initial treatments is typically with the antiparkinson medication levodopa, with dopamine agonists being used once levodopa becomes less effective. As the disease progresses and neurons continue to be lost, these medications become less effective while at the same time they produce a complication marked by involuntary writhing movements. Diet and some forms of rehabilitation have shown some effectiveness at improving symptoms. Surgery to place the microelectrodes for deep brain stimulation has been used to reduce motor symptoms in severe cases where drugs are ineffective. Evidence for treatments for the non-movement-related symptoms of PD, such as sleep disturbances and emotional problems, is less strong. In 2013, PD was present in 53 million people and resulted in about 103,000 deaths globally. Parkinson's disease typically occurs in people over the age of 60, of which about one percent are affected. Males are more often affected than females. When it is seen in people before the age of 40 or 50, it is called young onset PD. The average life expectancy following diagnosis is between 7 and 14 years. The disease is named after the English doctor James Parkinson, who published the first detailed description in An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, in 1817. Public awareness campaigns include World Parkinson's Day (on the birthday of James Parkinson, 11 April) and the use of a red tulip as the symbol of the disease. People with parkinsonism who have increased the public's awareness of the condition include actor Michael J. Fox, Olympic cyclist Davis Phinney, and late professional boxer Muhammad Ali.

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