What You Should Know About Early Onset Parkinson's Disease

If you are young and have Parkinson's disease, you and your family are likely to have numerous questions. What is Parkinson’s disease? Is there a cure for Parkinson’s disease? How will young onset Parkinson's, also known as early onset Parkinson’s, affect you and those you care about? How might you deal with those effects?


The American Parkinson Disease Association National Young Onset Center is here to provide you with the education and support you need to make important decisions about your health and your life and your care.

This section was created with many of the most frequently asked questions in mind with a goal of helping you be informed, live well and stay strong. While we encourage you to be your own advocate by researching options and planning ahead, know that you are not alone.

If you or your family member has a particular question or issue that is not addressed here, please let us know.

Our mission is to ease the burden and find the cure for Parkinson's disease. We encourage you to contact us directly any time and welcome the opportunity to provide you with assistance. We also invite you to visit this website frequently, as we regularly post new articles and fresh Parkinson's information.

Symptoms

Tremor, rigidity and stiffness are some of the well-known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but there are many other symptoms frequently associated with the disease including depression and sleep disorders, as well as changes in memory and behavior.

Treatment

Learn about the different (and newest) treatment options including Parkinson’s medications, surgery like deep brain stimulation, physical medicine, complementary and alternative medicine.

Living With Parkinsons

Putting together a team to guide and support you, exercising, eating right and managing stress are some of the keys to living well with young onset Parkinson's disease.

Research

Find out what scientists are discovering about new and better treatment options, genetics and genetic testing, and get involved yourself by participating in clinical trials, increasing awareness of Parkinson's Disease /Young Onset Parkinson's Disease, and raising funds for a cure.

Advocacy

Get involved! Find out how you can serve as an advocate for Parkinson's Disease by using your voice, volunteering your time or supporting and encouraging those in the Parkinson's Disease community.

Articles 

Browse our Article Library and find information on Exercise/Nutrition, Living with Parkinson's Disease, Parenting, Relationships/Caregiving, SSDI/Employment, Symptoms, and Treatment.

Register With Us

Sign up today to receive our newsletter, download free APDA publications, and gain access to our Person-to-Person and Caregiver-to-Caregiver support programs, which will connect you to others with Parkinson’s!

I&R Center

Find more resources at the local level by contacting the APDA Information and Referral (I&R) Center closest to you to.

Also learn about upcoming educational and support programs in your area.

Your Stories

Alex Revised

Alex Diagnosed at 45

Hi my name is Alex Shepard and was diagnosed with PD at age 45, in 20...

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