Background Vascular prevention is appropriate for patients with a vascular history (secondary prevention) and increased risk (primary prevention). Cerebrovascular disease adds to gait and cognitive problems in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods A convenience cross-sectional sample of consecutive PD patients attending the Neurology Movement Disorder clinic was assessed, and QRISK3 scored when appropriate (cases without vascular events, age <85 years).

Results Of 100 cases, mean age 66.5 (SD 9.0) years, 52.0% male, with PD duration 8.3 (SD 5.5) years, 15 had a vascular history meriting statin therapy, of whom 12 (80.0%) were prescribed statins. 22 had a high vascular risk (QRISK3 >20%), mean QRISK3 28.6 (SD 7.7) of whom 2 (9.1%) were prescribed statins. We are now actively assessing QRISK3 and recommending statin therapy where appropriate.

Conclusions Secondary vascular prevention with statins is more commonly implemented than primary prevention, in patients with PD. In patients without a vascular diagnosis, vascular risk should be assessed and statin therapy offered where appropriate, noting that around one-fifth of patients have a high vascular risk and are not on statin treatment.