Parkinson's disease (IMAGE) Nagoya University Caption Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and characterized by motor signs including bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, and reduced postural reflex. More than 50% of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra are lost at the onset of motor symptoms in PD. Prodromal symptoms, such as dysautonomia, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and hyposmia, trigger the onset of motor cognitive dysfunction by 10-20 years. Our current results showed a premotor blood pressure increase in female patients with PD, and premotor decreases in hematocrit, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in male PD patients. Health examination, in combination with other evaluations, may facilitate early detection of PD before the onset of motor symptoms. Credit Masahisa Katsuno Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.