Lagatar24 Desk
Parkinson’s disease (PD), often associated with the elderly, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults. While Parkinson’s is typically seen after the age of 60, those diagnosed before 50 fall under the category of Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).
According to research by Johns Hopkins, around 2 percent of the 1 million Parkinson’s patients in the US were diagnosed before turning 40.
How Is Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease Different?
Parkinson’s disease in younger people often presents unique characteristics in terms of its causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
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Genetics: Young-onset Parkinson’s patients are more likely to have a hereditary or genetic link to the disease.
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Symptoms: Stiffness or cramping (dystonia) in muscles is a common early sign in YOPD. Patients also show increased involuntary movements (dyskinesia) and fewer cognitive issues like dementia.
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Progression: The disease progresses slower in younger patients compared to older individuals.
What Are The Symptoms Of YOPD?
According to Dr Kadam Nagpal, Head and Consultant – Neuroimmunology & Movement Disorders and Neurology, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, symptoms include:
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Tremors in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or face
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Stiffness in body muscles
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Slowness in movement
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Trouble with balance and coordination
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Non-movement symptoms like depression, sleep issues, memory problems, constipation, and urinary issues.
What Can Cause YOPD?
Parkinson’s disease in young adults is often driven by genetics, with environmental factors playing a secondary role. Scientists have identified genes that increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s at a young age, especially for individuals with a family history of the disease.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, including medication to increase dopamine levels, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. This can help in symptom management and slowing disease progression.
Surgical treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may be recommended in advanced cases where medication is less effective.
Parkinson’s is no longer seen as an “old person’s disease,” especially as many young patients are diagnosed while building their careers or raising families. The condition can bring emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and isolation.
