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Common Questions

What is Young Onset Parkinson's Disease?

When someone who is 21-40 years old receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease it is referred to as "young onset" Parkinson's disease.  Although most symptoms are the same at whatever age PD develops, managing the disease can be particularly challenging for a younger person and the person’s family – medically, psychologically and socially.  

In general, young people tend to have a smoother course of the illness.  Overall, the rate of the disease’s progression is usually much slower in younger than older people, which may be due in part to the fact that younger people tend to have fewer general health problems.  Associated problems, such as memory loss, confusion and balance difficulties, also tend to be less frequent in young people with the disease.  However, young people often have more involuntary movement problems due to the most commonly prescribed PD medication, levodopa.  For this reason, young onset patients are usually treated initially with alternatives to levodopa.  

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Parkinson's Disease in the Young by Michael Rezak, MD, PhD

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurological disease that affects a small area of nerve cells (neurons) in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra. These cells normally produce dopamine, a chemical (neurotransmitter) that transmits signals between areas in the brain that, when working normally, coordinate smooth and balanced muscle movement.  It is now known that there are other areas of the brain that can be involved which results in non-motor symptoms. 

Parkinson's disease causes these nerve cells to die, and as a result, body movements and other functions are affected.  We do not yet know what causes these cells to die. "Parkinsonism" is a term that is often used interchangeably with Parkinson's disease.  Medically, Parkinsonism refers to any condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.

What Are the Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

• Tremors
• Muscle rigidity
• Bradykinesia (the slowing down of movement and the gradual loss of spontaneous activity)
• Changes in walking pattern and posture
• Changes in speech and handwriting
• Facial masking (difficulty adequately or accurately communicating through facial expressions)
• Loss of balance and increased falls

It is important to know that not all of these symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease to be considered.  In fact, younger people may only notice one or two symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease.

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What Are the Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

• Changes in mood, especially depression
• Sleep disorders
• Changes in thinking
• Problems with low blood pressure, bowel , bladder and sweating
• Skin changes  

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Who Gets Parkinson's Disease?

It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson's disease.  Men are slightly more likely to develop the disease than women, and approximately 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.  Because the majority of people who get Parkinson’s disease are over the age of 60, it has been (and continues to be) thought of as an “older person’s” disease.  Because of this, the disease is often overlooked in younger people, leading many to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for extended periods of time.  In fact, about 10%-20% of those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease are under age 50, and about half of those are diagnosed before age 40.

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Is  Parkinson's Disease Genetic or Hereditary?

The cause of Parkinson’s disease is not yet known.  However, Parkinson’s disease has appeared across several generations of some families, which could indicate that certain forms of the disease are hereditary or genetic.  Many researchers think that Parkinson’s disease may be caused by genetic factors combined with other external factors.  The field of genetics is playing an ever greater role in PD research, and scientists are continually working towards determining the cause or causes of PD.

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Is There a Cure for Parkinson's Disease?

To date, there is no known cure or way to prevent Parkinson's disease.  However, research is ongoing and remarkable progress is being made. There is very real hope that the causes, whether genetic, environmental, or some combination of the two, will soon be identified and the precise effects of these causes on brain function will be understood.  Although there is no cure for the disease at this time, by identifying troublesome symptoms and determining a proper course of treatment, most people with the disease are able to remain active and lead fulfilling lives.

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Are There Doctors Who Specialize in Parkinson's Disease?

Doctors who are specially trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the brain and nervous system are called neurologists.  Some neurologists have a subspecialty in movement disorders and work extensively with patients who have Parkinson’s disease and other similar conditions.

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How Do I Find a Parkinson's Specialist?  

Larger hospitals or university systems often have movement disorders centers.  If you do not live in or near a large city, you may have to travel further for an appointment.  While not as convenient, you may find it worthwhile to work with a physician who deals exclusively with movement disorders.  Oftentimes, once stabilized, in-person appointments are not required very frequently.   

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