Young-onset Parkinson’s disease: It’s time to answer the call
The majority of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) learn of their diagnosis at age 60 or later. Aging is the number one risk factor Parkinson’s disease (PD), and aging in and of itself also increases the risk of developing Parkinson-like motor symptoms without loss of dopamine neurons that occurs in PD. To the end, these issues of motor impairment will remain at the forefront for research to help those in the battle.
However, while we know about the challenges faced by those in their golden years, we also must direct our attention to those who have not reached that stage in the lifespan. Today, the PDI is launching a new initiative to shed light on the reality, prevalence, and distinct challenges of Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).
We will bring to the table a series of articles, anecdotes, and other reference material to generate awareness on the realities of YOPD over the next month. While we focus our attention on YOPD, we want to encourage those affected by YOPD, be it the individual, caregiver, and family member alike, to contact us(mfsalvatore@theparkinsondiscoveryinstitute.org) to build a network of people impacted by YOPD. In the long run, this network will help us direct and commit resources to do our part to help alleviate the burden of YOPD and make a positive difference in the lives affected.
The diagnosis of PD is challenging enough, but the impact of YOPD diagnosis comes with greater burdens in many areas of life. As one might imagine, with a diagnosis of YOPD anywhere between ages 21 to 50, many commitments in that time of the lifespan are fully underway. These commitments include career development, raising a family, beginning a
marriage, and the expectations of oneself in their respective social circles. Adding a diagnosis of PD on top of these commitments couldn’t be possibly less welcome.
We will cover the following areas, and additional areas as we proceed, to not only let you know you are not alone, but to arm you with the knowledge you need to understand what you can do to still be at your best. Some of the issues at the forefront include;
1) Quality of life
2) Depression and anxiety
3) Family relationships
4) Career
5) Medication issues
6) Disability
7) Physical Activity
8) Preclinical studies
9) Cognitive function
Articles to begin;
1. Mehanna and Jankovic. 2019. Young-onset Parkinson's disease: Its unique features and their impact on quality of life. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders 65: 39-48.
2.Schrag A, et al., 2003. Young- versus older-onset Parkinson’s disease: Impact of disease and
psychosocial consequences. Movement Disorders 18: 1250-1256.
3. Hickman et al., 2026. Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease: Unique features and management
approaches. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports. 26: 3
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