Can young people have Parkinson disease?

Parkinson’s disease in those under 50 years of age is referred to by doctors as having an early beginning.

Parkinson’s disease with early onset can be a concerning diagnosis. The individual’s and their family’s quality of life may be greatly impacted in various circumstances. People with Parkinson’s disease are all affected differently, and others just experience movement symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease is more likely to have a genetic component when it first manifests in childhood. Additionally, it might develop older people differently than Parkinson’s disease. A person can benefit from early intervention by receiving the care and assistance they require by being aware of the signs.

In this article, we define early onset Parkinson’s disease and describe how it varies from a diagnosis that occurs later. Additionally, we go into the signs, causes, and methods of therapy for Parkinson’s disease and offer advice for those who have the illness.

Although most persons with Parkinson’s disease experience symptoms after the age of 60, 5–10% of instances involve onset before the age of 50, according to the National Institute on Aging. These situations are referred to by doctors as early onset Parkinson’s disease.

Juvenile Parkinson’s disease, in which symptoms occur before the age of 20, affects certain people.

According to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), 6,000–12,000 Americans are affected by Parkinson’s disease, which has an early beginning in 10–20% of cases.

Although scientists are unsure of the precise cause of Parkinson’s disease, they do think that a combination of environmental and hereditary factors may be to blame. There may be a connection between a head injury and exposure to poisons like pesticides.

The majority of these incidents affect younger persons and account for about 10% of all cases. When a genetic reason is present, the illness may be inherited.

However, some of the symptoms that can appear relatively suddenly in the elderly may take years to manifest in younger people.

These consist of:

  • confusion
  • memory loss
  • problems with balance
Because of this, the care and treatment that a person with early-onset Parkinson’s disease requires may differ.

Different lifestyle obstacles are also faced by those who have early-onset Parkinson’s disease. While many people still work and value their families, changes might become necessary in the future.

Living with early onset Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease with early onset can significantly impact a person’s day-to-day activities and long-term plans.

A person with early-onset Parkinson’s disease may benefit from the following advice:

  • learning as much as possible about Parkinson’s disease and explaining to friends and loved ones what it involves
  • establishing contact with a team of trusted healthcare professionals, such as a doctor, a speech therapist, and an occupational therapist
  • seeking counseling if the diagnosis affects the person’s mental health
  • asking their employer to discuss a plan that will enable them to work effectively
  • contacting local or online support groups to share tips and experiences with others in a similar situation
  • identifying caregivers and loved ones who can help out if necessary
  • finding out about disability benefits and insurance coverage
  • consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to help prevent constipation and boost overall well-being
  • staying active, which may help maintain mobility
Even though modifications may eventually be required, a person with early-onset Parkinson’s will probably be able to continue working, driving, and taking part in family and social activities.

For the purpose of determining whether there may be a hereditary risk, those who intend to have parents may want to think about genetic testing and counseling. However, it should be noted that not everyone with Parkinson’s disease’s genetic markers experiences the disease.

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