Parkinson's disease can affect anyone, young or old. The majority of those affected are over the age of 50, but younger people can also be affected. In fact, 1 of every 20 people diagnosed with Parkinson disease in the UK are under the age of 50, which is referred to as Young Onset Parkinson Disease (YOPD).
If this can reassure you, this is my case. I have been diagnosed at the age of 28, so I have YOPD as well! And honestly, I’m just fine!!! So don’t worry, if you’re young and you been given a Parkinson disease diagnosis, know that you are not alone and that you are in the right place!
Let’s face it. People with Young Onset Parkinson Disease have a more probable family history of Parkinson disease and live longer. The main difference between having Parkinson at an early age vs. a later age is summarized in the below 4 key distinctions. When Parkinson is diagnosed at an early age:
•There is usually a slower progression of symptoms over time vs having Parkinson at an older age. This is good because the young person remains functional and cognitively intact for a longer period of time.
• There are less common cognitive problems, such as dementia
• More side effects from dopaminergic medications, such as increased Dyskinesia (involuntary body movements)
• Earlier and more common Dystonia (cramping and abnormal postures) such as foot arching
In most Young Onset Parkinson disease cases, scientists found that approximately 10 to 20% of cases are linked to a genetic cause. There are two types:
1. Autosomal dominant, which means that you get a copy of a mutated gene from one parent, and
2. Autosomal recessive, which means you get a copy of a mutated gene from each of your parents.
Individuals who have a Parkinson parent or sibling have roughly twice the risk of developing the disease. Scientists claim that over the last 10 or 15 years, there's been an enormous amount of new information about genetics and new genes identified that have opened up a greater understanding of the disease.
If you have been diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson disease and feel like sharing what you’ve experienced, please share it with me by clicking below.