When young people are diagnosed with Parkinson disease, considerations are more important because the disease not only impacts them personally, but it also impacts their social life, working career, their spouses, children, as well as their financials.
One big question that always come to mind when we have Young Onset Parkinson disease is whether we are going to pass it on to our children. This is even more stressful to young people who are trying to have children!
When treating a younger person with Parkinson disease, doctors personalize the treatment, taking into consideration the below facts:
- The disease is more likely to be genetic as you get older. Your medical team may recommend genetic testing or counselling.
- The neuroplasticity potential of the brain (the ability of the brain to grow and change in response to therapy), which allows it to handle and respond to disease and therapy differently.
Now let’s see what are the causes and theories around Young Onset Parkinson disease:
1.Genetics vs. Environmental
Most cases of Parkinson's disease are caused by a combination of genetics and environmental exposures. However, genetics is more important in Young Onset Parkinson disease. Researchers have identified genes that can cause or increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease at a younger age.
2.Genes responsible for Young Onset Parkinson Disease
People with both early-onset Parkinson disease and a strong family history of the disease are more likely to carry Parkinson-related genes such as SNCA, PARK2, PINK1, and LRRK2. Researchers found out recently that genetic mutations are thought to be the cause of Parkinson Disease in:
- 65% of people with Parkinson disease under the age of 20, and
- 32% of people with Parkinson disease between the ages of 20 and 30.
3.Genetic Mutation
Some people with these genes, however, may never develop Parkinson disease. The Parkinson's Foundation genetics initiative, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson's Disease, is the first national Parkinson's study to offer free genetic testing plus counselling for Parkinson's-related genes through medical professionals. This flagship study will eventually provide genetic information that will lead to better care, expanded research, and faster clinical trial enrollment.
4. YODP still largely undiscovered!
In theory, genes may play a larger role in Young Onset Parkinson disease, whereas environmental factors may play a larger role in sporadic Parkinson disease. However, researchers have found it difficult to prove this to date because we are still learning about the disease's biological mechanisms.
That’s about it in this post. Hope that was helpful somehow.
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.