## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Understanding Parkinson's](/understanding-parkinsons) - [What is Parkinson's?](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Understanding Parkinson's](/understanding-parkinsons) - [What is Parkinson's?](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons) # Young-Onset Parkinson's ## 💡 Quick Summary - Young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) occurs in people under 50 and shares many symptoms with typical PD. - YOPD can also be referred to as early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD). - People with YOPD often experience slower symptom progression, fewer [cognitive issues](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/cognitive "Cognitive Changes") and more medication-related side effects like dyskinesias and dystonias. - Tailored care often includes medication, [genetic counseling](/understanding-parkinsons/causes/genetics/testing-counseling "Genetic Testing & Counseling"), therapy and lifestyle planning to address career, family and long-term health needs. ![Young family](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/youngonsetparkinsons.jpg?itok=dSRh4WD0) Young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) occurs in people younger than 50 years of age. Most people with idiopathic, or typical, PD develop symptoms at 50 years of age or older. YOPD can also be referred to as early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD). YOPD affects about four percent of the one million people with PD in the U.S. Symptoms are similar to late onset PD but it is important to understand the challenges YOPD individuals often face at a financial, family and employment level. In rare instances, Parkinson's-like symptoms can appear in children and teenagers. This form of the disorder is called juvenile Parkinsonism and is often associated with specific, high-PD risk genetic mutations. - ### Symptoms Young-onset PD is diagnosed similarly to late-onset PD with symptoms including: - Tremors of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face - The tremors in people with YOPD can sometimes appear faster and somewhat different from the classic parkinsonian resting tremor seen in those with late-onset PD. - Rigidity of the limbs and trunk - Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) - Postural instability or impaired balance and coordination People with YOPD may experience the same non-motor symptoms as others with PD, including: - Depression - Sleep disturbances - Changes in memory and thinking - Constipation or urinary problems ## How is young-onset PD different? People diagnosed with YOPD have a more frequent family history of Parkinson’s disease and a longer survival. People living with young-onset PD may experience: - Slower progression of PD symptoms over time, staying functional and cognitively intact for longer duration - Less frequent cognitive problems such as dementia - More side effects from dopaminergic medications, such as more frequent dyskinesias (involuntary body movements) - Earlier and more frequent dystonias (cramping and abnormal postures) such as arching of the foot ## Why is distinguishing young-onset Parkinson's important? Socially, people who are affected by PD at a younger age experience the disease differently — they may be at a different stage of their career and often have less time to engage in their own care. They may also have children or are planning to have children and have questions regarding passing on PD genes. Medically, doctors tailor treatment when it is a younger person with PD. The younger you are, the more likely the disease is genetic. Your care team may offer genetic testing or counseling. Younger brains also have higher neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to grow and change response to therapy) potential which allows the brain to handle and respond to disease and therapy differently. - ### Causes and Theories For most people with PD, the disease is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental exposures. However, genetics plays a larger role in YOPD. Scientists have discovered genes that can cause or increase the risk of developing Parkinson's at a younger age. People who have both early-onset PD and a strong family history of the disease are more likely to carry genes linked to PD, such as *SNCA, PARK2, PINK1* and *LRRK2*. In fact, a recent study found that 65 percent of people with PD onset under 20 years old and 32 percent of people with onset between 20 and 30 had a genetic mutation believed to increase PD risk. However, some people with these genes may not develop Parkinson’s at all. Genetic tests are not generally available, but the Parkinson's Foundation genetics initiative, [PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson's Disease](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation"), is the first national Parkinson's study to offer free genetic testing plus counseling for Parkinson's-related genes through medical professionals. This flagship study will ultimately provide genetic information that will lead to improving care, expanding research and accelerating enrollment in clinical trials. Theoretically, genes may play a larger role in young-onset PD, while environmental factors may play more of a role in sporadic PD. But to date researchers have found this hard to prove, as we are still improving our understanding of the biological mechanisms of the disease. ## Navigating YOPD After Diagnosis While a diagnosis can be disruptive and unexpected, it doesn’t have to stop you from reaching your goals. When you are ready, think about your current family and career responsibilities, and set up a new long-term plan. Take one step at a time as you move toward achieving your priorities. - ### Build a Care Team Find a movement disorder specialist or a neurologist with expertise in movement disorders. This doctor will help find the medication that is right for you and help you determine which other specialists can help you further your goals. The Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) can recommend PD specialists in your area. - ### Talk to Family Parkinson’s affects everyone in the family. You may be concerned that telling your children you have Parkinson’s will cause undue worry. Fostering an open, honest and age-appropriate conversation early can help children understand PD-related changes and feel secure. - ### Tell Your Employer When You are Ready Many people with YOPD are still working. You decide when, with whom and how to share your diagnosis. [Learn more about Managing YOPD in the workplace](/blog/awareness/workplace "Managing Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease in the Workplace"). - ### Discover Community Whether finding a support group, educational program or getting involved with a non-profit, there are many ways to connect with others living with PD. Consider [getting involved](/how-to-help "How You Can Help") with the Parkinson’s Foundation. - ### Genetic Testing People with YOPD who have children, or who are considering pregnancy, may wonder whether they carry a PD-related gene. The Parkinson’s Foundation [PD GENEration](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation") national testing initiative offers Parkinson’s-related genetic testing and counseling at no cost to people with Parkinson’s. - ### Begin Planning While it may seem challenging, planning for the future can alleviate stress and foster security. Familiarize yourself with your disability and long-term care insurance policies. Take legal, financial and insurance planning into consideration. ## Therapy and Treatment When it comes to medical treatment, people with YOPD have a significantly greater risk of developing the following: - Dyskinesias (involuntary movements) and dystonias (cramping and abnormal postures), sometimes as a side effect of carbidopa/levodopa (the drug prescribed most often to treat Parkinson’s) - Motor fluctuations when taking levodopa Each person’s treatment is unique and can require fine adjustments of multiple medications. [Deep brain stimulation](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-treatment-options/deep-brain-stimulation "Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)") remains a surgical option for people with young-onset PD. *Page reviewed by Dr. Jun Yu, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Florida, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.* ### Learn, Share and Network Join our Early-Onset Community Network to connect with other people diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s. [LEARN MORE](/how-to-help/volunteer/community-networks/early-onset) ## Related Materials Podcasts ### [ Episode 10: Young-Onset Parkinson’s 101 ](/library/podcast/10) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/10) Podcasts ### [ Episode 124: Characteristics of Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/podcast/124) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/124) Podcasts ### [ Episode 125: Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease: Lifestyle, Family, and Counseling ](/library/podcast/125) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/125) ## Related Blog Posts ![Woman writing notes at her desk](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/youngonsetresources-blog_0.jpg?h=0d7a3a8a&itok=inKluffs) Tips for Daily Living ### [ 10 Helpful Young-Onset Parkinson's Resources ](/blog/tips/young-onset-resources) READ NOW ![Man on a conference call](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/yopdworkplace-blog.jpg?h=289976fd&itok=PuS31ms9) Raise Awareness ### [ Managing Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease in the Workplace ](/blog/awareness/workplace) READ NOW ![Woman talking to her daughter](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/navigatingyoungonset-blog_0.jpg?h=ae1281eb&itok=HWHHbNTg) Raise Awareness ### [ Navigating the Challenges of Young-Onset Parkinson's ](/blog/awareness/young-onset-challenges) READ NOW ### New to Parkinson’s? We offer the community, resources and advice to support you and your family as you begin to build a better life with Parkinson’s. [LEARN MORE](/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons) ### Connect with Others Explore our PD Conversations discussion groups to find answers or talk to others going through similar experiences. [Join Now](https://www.pdconversations.org/) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn