While people commonly associate Parkinson’s with older adult populations, younger adults do have the potential to develop the disease, as it is diagnosed more broadly in the over-60 population bracket. There is also Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD), which is Parkinson’s diagnosed in those under 50.

Symptomatology of Parkinson’s, especially in younger adults, tends to get attributed to or dismissed as problems more in line with stress or other muscular and even some other neurologic disorders, making diagnosis of the more insidious disease delayed. Constructing knowledge of disorder specifics could serve the patient’s best interests concerning early detection and symptom management if an eventual diagnosis of the disease is made.

Young Adults’ Developing Parkinson’s

While it is uncommon for young adults to develop Parkinson’s, it is an occurrence that happens. Young adults diagnosed with the disease represent 5–10% of the total Parkinson’s population, and even less commonly, some young adults even present symptoms of the disease in their 30s.

Young-Onset Parkinson’s shares many of the traits and symptoms of the adult onset of the disease, but in younger adults the disease progresses much more slowly, with treatment often much more successful for an extended period of time.

Why do Younger Adults Develop Parkinson’s?

While the actual causative factors of Parkinson’s remain largely unknown, for younger adults developing Parkinson’s, primarily the theories of causation fall in the strongly believed framework of genetics and the environment.

Younger adult Parkinson’s may develop from and be attributed to:

Genetics

Younger adult Parkinson’s may be attributed to the genetically inherited diagnosis of Parkinson’s of an immediate family member.

Environmental Exposure

Parkinson’s risk may be increased due to a few prolonged exposures, though most people who have been exposed to these things will not develop the disease.

Changes in Brain Cells

As dopamine-producing nerve cells are damaged, the body loses the ability to control body movements. This is the main problem of Parkinson’s.

Most of the time, there is no one direct cause.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease in Young Adults

Most symptoms are the same as in older adults, the difference being that in younger people symptoms may develop on one side of the body.

Those symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Muscle stiffness
• Slowed movements
• Loss of balance
• Diminished handwriting
• Diminished expressions
• Diminished handwriting
• Diminished voice
• Diminished posture
• Fatigue
• Depression and Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Lowered sense of smell

Because the symptoms develop slowly over several months, and some even develop over several years, many people see it as being easy to overlook.

How Is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?

Because there is no singular test for Parkinson’s disease, the diagnosis is typically based on symptoms, medical history and neurological examination.

The expert may execute:

• A review of the medical history
• A medical examination
• A review of balance and reflexes
• Other neurological examinations such as MRI
• Assessment of symptoms after taking Parkinson’s medications

Because the medications have limited side effects, it is easier for qualified medical professionals to begin treatment before symptoms become too disruptive to daily life.

Parkinson’s Disease Management and Treatment

Because there is no cure for the disease, it is very important to manage the symptoms and disease progression to improve the quality of life.

Treatment may involve:

Medications

Typically, medications that supplement dopamine are prescribed to lessen rigidity and facilitate movement and control tremors.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy and/or Exercise may be used to supplement Therapy and help patients maintain strength, lever balance, and overall mobility.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy recommends useful adaptations to the work/home environment to facilitate daily living.

Speech Therapy

Some develop a speech and/or swallowing delay. Speech Therapy also helps improve the ability to communicate as well as the ability to swallow.

Lifestyle Changes

Therapy and a healthy, balanced diet, coupled with daily exercise and maintaining a healthy level of stress, can help improve overall well-being and can help manage symptoms.

It is always essential for a patient to regularly consult with a Neurologist to help manage and adjust Therapy as the patient’s symptoms and needs change.

When to Consult with a Doctor

Tremors, rigidity, and slowed movement, along with poor balance, are all causes for needing to consult with a doctor, especially if your handwriting is changing. These symptoms do not usually mean that you have Parkinson’s Disease, but a Neurologist should be consulted to rule out the concern. These symptoms becoming more pronounced and not resolved is cause for concern, as it becomes more likely a progressive condition.

Symptom management and sustained quality of life and health can be improved with an early Diagnosis.

Summary

It is not a given that a patient needs to be a senior citizen to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Young adults have been diagnosed. The gradual onset of symptoms can explain other Health concerns and lead to an inaccurate diagnosis. Consulting a Neurologist at the first sign of a health concern that is hard to diagnose can lead to earlier and better symptom management.

Royal Care Neurosciences offers a well-experienced team that performs in-depth evaluations and provides tailored treatments and management plans for Parkinson’s disease. Continuous support and early management have proven to allow many patients with early-onset Parkinson’s to remain highly productive with meaningful lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease starts when?

The average age of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease is around 60 years. However, Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease is when someone is diagnosed with it before the age of 50.

2. Is Parkinson’s disease in the young population genetic?

Not usually. There are a few cases where genetic mutations are considered linked; however, most cases are de novo. Environmental factors should also be taken into account.

3. Can someone in their 30s and 40s with Parkinson’s disease have a good quality of life?

Definitely, early Management, treatment, continuous exercise, and the support of a healthcare team will allow many people in their 30s, 40s, and beyond to remain active and have a good quality of life.