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Young-Onset Parkinson's
http://www.parkinson.org/Parkinson- s- Disease/Young- Onset- Parkinsons
May 30, 2013
Young-Onset Parkinson's
The diagnosis of Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease is the same as
Idiopathic, or typical, Parkinson’s disease except for the age of the
patient. The average age of PD diagnosis is around 62. When an individual
is diagnosed with PD before the age of 50, the disorder is called YoungOnset Parkinson’s disease. Connect with people affected by YoungOnset Parkinson's by joining NPF's online Young-Onset Forum or
attending a Young-Onset Parkinson's Conference.
What are the common symptoms of Young-Onset PD?
There are some symptoms that are more common in Young-Onset PD
patients. The available evidence suggests that PD patients with a
younger age at onset have:
A slower disease progression
An increased rate of dystonia (sustained abnormal postures, such as turning in or arching of
the foot and toes) at onset and during treatment
A lower rate of dementia
An increased rate of dyskinesias in response to L-DOPA treatment.
As is the case with older-onset Parkinson’s disease, the speed and severity of the
progression of Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease can vary greatly among individuals.
Does genetics play a part in Young-Onset PD?
YES. There are genes that have now been implicated in the cause of a subtype of Young-Onset
Parkinson’s disease known as the LRRK-2 gene or Parkin 9 gene. Up to 50% of Young-Onset
Parkinson’s patients may have a gene associated as a potential cause.
Research continues to be done to understand the role of genes and environment as potential
causes in PD. Theories suggest that genes may play a larger role in young onset and environment
may be more significant in idiopathic, or typical, PD. Understanding the roles of environment and
genes will ultimately allow us to identify the multiple causes of PD.
Is there such as thing as Juvenile Parkinsonism?
In rare instances, Parkinson’s-like symptoms can appear in children and teenagers. This form of the
disorder, called "Juvenile Parkinsonism”, is viewed as a distinct disorder, which often is genetically
determined. Juvenile Parkinsonism usually has a different course from typical later-life Parkinson’s
disease.
Approximately 10% of the 1 million people with the disease are thought to be below the age of
40.3. Since Parkinson’s disease is still often overlooked as a diagnosis in younger patients, it is
thought that the number of cases occurring in individuals below the age of 40 may actually be
much higher than the estimated 10% of the population with the disease.
Is medication treatment different for Young-Onset PD?
The medical management of the Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease patient requires an
understanding of the significantly greater tendency of this group to develop:
Dyskinesias or involuntary movements (most commonly dystonia)
Motor fluctuations when taking levodopa
When attempting to treat symptoms in the young Parkinson’s disease patient it is important
to use levodopa-sparing strategies. These strategies include:
The use of anticholinergics or amantadine
As well as substantial use of the dopamine receptor agonists for more potent, symptomatic
treatment
Often these drugs are used in combination
As the patient, it is in your best interest to seek a physician who has an understanding of the
unique treatment of Young-Onset PD. Such a doctor will be able to help you maximize your
quality of life.
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