Why Men Face Higher Parkinson’s Risk

By Dr Parthasarathy B
Consultant Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences
Apollo Adlux Hospital Angamaly

Parkinson’s doesn’t impact everyone the same way. Research teams have discovered over time that Parkinson’s affects more men than women. Well, the reasons lie in a mix of hormones, habits, and how our bodies work.

Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system by reducing dopamine, a chemical in the brain responsible for coordinating movement. When dopamine levels drop, symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and balance issues begin to appear. While the condition affects both men and women, men continue to face a clearly higher risk. Even with new findings, experts have continued to notice the same persistent pattern.

The difference in hormone levels likely helps explain why more men develop Parkinson’s. Estrogen, which is found in higher levels in women, seems to protect the brain from damage. It reduces inflammation and helps keep dopamine-producing cells healthy. Thus, this might explain why women tend to develop Parkinson’s at a later age or show milder symptoms. Many men work in industries that expose them to dangerous substances such as pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals. Long-term exposure to these chemicals gradually damages brain cells, increasing the risk of Parkinson’s.

Differences in brain anatomy and activity exist between men and women. Hence, certain areas in the male brain may be more likely to be affected by the loss of dopamine. This makes some men more vulnerable to the disease, even if they live a healthy life.

Another factor is behavior. When symptoms first show up, men are less likely to seek medical attention. They may ignore early signs like shaking hands or slow movement. Because of this, many men get diagnosed at a later stage, when the disease has already progressed. This delay can make treatment less effective. Genetics also plays a role, but it doesn’t fully explain the gender gap. Some genetic changes raise the risk of Parkinson’s in both men and women, however more men still get the disease. This shows that the cause is not just in our genes but also in how we live and how our bodies function.

You can’t control every risk, but you can control your response to it. There are a few ways men can lower their chances of developing Parkinson’s. Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals and wearing protective gear at work can help reduce risk. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and staying mentally active also support brain health. Most importantly, visiting a doctor early when symptoms appear can lead to better outcomes.

Recognizing the higher risk in men allows us to focus on early detection, timely care, and more effective ways to manage the disease. Building awareness now lays the foundation for better outcomes in the future.