November 20, 2014 Parkinson’s Disease Marked by Tremors, Muscle Rigidity Each year, 50,000 to 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, according to the National Parkinson Foundation. The onset of Parkinson’s is a long-term lifestyle change, as the disease affects almost every aspect of day-to-day life and can last over 20 years. Doctors and researchers are still searching for a cure, but effective treatments can slow the progress of the disease and improve a patient’s quality of life. Here is a basic guide to understanding Parkinson’s disease: