Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease: What You Need to Know

People with Parkinson’s disease usually start experiencing symptoms after age 60. With early onset, Parkinson’s disease symptoms begin before age 50. Young onset is a subtype that develops after age 21. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain condition that leads to the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. The clinical course of Parkinson’s disease varies between people. Early onset is a distinct type of Parkinson’s disease with more genetic roots and other differences.

Keep reading to learn about the causes, symptoms, and prognosis of early onset Parkinson’s disease. 

Early onset Parkinson’s disease is a form of Parkinson’s disease in which symptoms begin when the person is younger than 50.

Estimates vary, but 3–7% Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of Parkinson’s disease diagnoses in the Western world are early onset. However, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, an advocacy group, states that 10–20% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience signs and symptoms of the condition when they are younger than 50. 

The variation in percentages may be due to a lack of consensus on the definition of early onset Parkinson’s disease. Also, researchers and clinicians divide early onset into two subtypes: juvenile and young onset.

People rarely develop Parkinson’s disease before age 21 Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source . Juvenile onset Parkinson’s disease is often due to specific gene mutations in families. Disease severity and symptoms depend on the specific mutation and possibly other factors yet unknown.

Young onset Parkinson’s disease is when symptoms develop between the ages of 21­–50. Young onset Parkinson’s disease is also more likely than late onset to be linked to specific gene mutations in families.

The focus of this article is young onset Parkinson’s disease. The complexities of juvenile onset Parkinson’s disease will be described in a future article.

Treatment for young onset Parkinson’s disease is the same as the treatment for later onset Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to distinguish between the two versions because younger adults experience the disease differently than older adults. 

All forms of Parkinson’s disease involve the deterioration of brain neurons. This causes the condition’s symptoms. These neurons are in the portion of the brain that controls movement and produces dopamine. This chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, relays signals between neurons.

Parkinson’s disease also leads to the loss of nerve endings that produce another neurotransmitter known as norepinephrine. This molecule is important in the sympathetic nervous system, which is part of your autonomic nervous system.

Scientists are unsure Trusted Source National Institute on Aging Governmental authority Go to source what causes the neurons to die. 

Genetic and environmental factors can play a role in Parkinson’s disease. However, genetic causes are more common Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source among people with the young onset form. Researchers have identified many genes with links to Parkinson’s disease. The main ones, particularly for young onset Parkinson’s disease, include:

• SNCA
• LRRK2
• GBA
• VPS35
• PRKN (Parkin)
• PINK1
• DJ1

Environmental factors linked to an increased incidence Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of Parkinson’s disease include pesticide exposure.

Learn more about Parkinson’s disease causes and genetics.

Symptoms of young onset Parkinson’s disease present similarly as they do in the late onset form. The four key symptoms of Parkinson’s are:   

• muscle stiffness and contractions
• hand, arm, or leg tremors
• only able to move slowly, known as bradykinesia 
• trouble with gait/walking, coordination, and balance

People with Parkinson’s disease may also Trusted Source National Institute on Aging Governmental authority Go to source experience: 

• depression
• trouble with eating and speaking
• urinary and bowel issues
• slow movement of food through the digestive tract
• sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up
• loss of smell
• memory loss or confusion

Two main symptoms that are more common Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source in young onset Parkinson’s disease include dystonia and levodopa-induced dyskinesias. Dystonia is involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive movements or unusual postures, such as an arched foot. Levodopa-induced dyskinesias are involuntary movements due to levodopa, a common medication for Parkinson’s disease. 

Also, memory loss is less common in young onset Parkinson’s disease. Learn about Parkinson’s disease dementia.

This table outlines the similarities and differences between the two main forms of Parkinson’s disease. 

Doctors diagnose young onset Parkinson’s disease by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical examination, including neurological tests. 

However, it may take doctors longer to reach the diagnosis because young onset Parkinson’s disease is less common than late onset. They may recommend genetic testing.

Learn more about diagnosing Parkinson’s disease.

There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease Trusted Source National Institute on Aging Governmental authority Go to source , including young onset. However, certain therapies may reduce the symptoms. 

A few medications options for movement symptoms include: 

• levodopa, which helps the brain make more dopamine
• carbidopa, which reduces some of the negative side effects of levodopa
• anticholinergic medications, which reduce muscle stiffness and tremor
• medications that stimulate dopamine production in the brain or inhibit its break down
• amantadine to lower the frequency of involuntary movements

Deep brain stimulation is a surgical treatment option. This therapy aims to reduce the movement symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, doctors currently use this treatment only for people whose symptoms do not respond well to medications. 

Younger people have responsibilities and engagements — such as work, social life, and parenting — that differ from those of older people who develop Parkinson’s disease. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and medication side effects can impact daily functioning.

Also, younger people with Parkinson’s disease who are family planning may consider genetic counseling to determine the likelihood of passing the genetic risk to their child. 

Find out the professionals who treat Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers are working to find a cure for Parkinson’s, but therapies can ease the symptoms. Also, younger brains have higher neuroplasticity, which means they have more ability to respond to therapy. Young onset Parkinson’s disease progresses slower than late onset, but it eventually impacts your ability to complete daily tasks like driving. 

One study following 1,221 individuals with Parkinson’s disease reveals that people with earlier onset had a longer median survival but a reduced life expectancy than people with the late onset version. 

Closely following the treatment plan you and your doctor create can help you manage your symptoms.

Consider making the following lifestyle changes to help navigate your daily routine: 

• Arrange your home with your most-used items in easy-to-reach spots. This will require less energy and movement to complete tasks like cooking. 
• Create a financial backup plan in case you become unable to work. For example, look into your state’s disability programs. 
• Talk with your doctor about what assistive devices can help you with daily tasks, like getting dressed or walking. 
• Stay active with light exercise like walking or yoga.
• Refer to the Parkinson’s Foundation resources and support page or dial 1-800-437-4636 to discover local Parkinson’s resources like exercise classes or support groups.

Read 10 Things Doctors Want You to Know About Parkinson’s Disease.

Susan W. Lee, D.O., reviewed the following questions.

One study found that the median remaining years of survival for people who developed young onset Parkinson’s disease was 32.5 years. 

Although everyone experiences symptoms differently, common early signs include:

• tremors
• slowness of movement
• walking and posture instability
• muscle stiffness 

Read 10 Symptoms Never to Ignore with Parkinson’s Disease.

Young onset Parkinson’s disease is a form of Parkinson’s disease that begins between ages 21­–50. It presents similarly as late onset, but the early onset version progresses slower and is more likely to have a genetic cause.

Also, young onset Parkinson’s disease is less likely to involve dementia but more likely to cause symptoms such as dystonia and levodopa-induced dyskinesias.

Treatment for young onset Parkinson’s disease focuses on easing the symptoms as the disease progresses.