Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) refers to PD diagnosed before age 50. It often features a different disease progression, medication response, and social challenges than typical late-onset PD. People with YOPD may require unique treatment approaches considering longer disease duration and non-motor symptoms such as mood and cognitive issues. Exercise, social support, and specialized clinical care are vital for managing YOPD effectively.

What is Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD)?

YOPD denotes PD onset typically before the age of 50. It accounts for approximately 5-10% of all Parkinson’s cases. The diagnosis and management of YOPD differ somewhat due to the younger age group’s unique biological and social factors.

Differences from Late-Onset PD

• Disease progression: YOPD generally progresses more slowly than late-onset PD but leads to longer overall disease duration, which can increase cumulative disability over time.

• Motor symptoms: Patients with YOPD often have prominent dystonia and dyskinesias induced by levodopa treatment.

• Non-motor symptoms: Mood disorders (depression, anxiety), cognitive changes, and impulse control disorders may be more pronounced or different in YOPD.

• Response to therapy: Medication regimens may require more careful adjustment because younger patients live longer with the disease and are more prone to medication side effects.

• Social impact: Patients often face challenges related to work, family planning, and psychosocial stressors unique to this age group.

Treatment and Management Approaches

• Medication strategies: Levodopa remains the mainstay but may be used with caution to delay motor complications. Dopamine agonists or MAO-B inhibitors might also be introduced early.

• Exercise and physical therapy: Regular exercise is highly recommended to maintain mobility and improve quality of life.

• Psychosocial support: Counseling, support groups, and occupational therapy can assist with coping strategies for work and family life.

• Advanced therapies: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) or other device-aided therapies sometimes are considered earlier for eligible YOPD patients due to their longer life expectancy.

Resources for YOPD

Organizations such as MeOverPD provide tailored information and support for younger people with PD, including local resource toolkits and social engagement options.

It’s not common to see Parkinson’s disease in people younger than 50, but for a small subset of sufferers, the disease strikes early. While people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s at an average age of 60, anything younger than 50 is considered young-onset Parkinson’s, or YOPD. Rarely, Parkinson’s disease may be diagnosed in people younger than 40 — current estimates are that about 2 percent of the 1 million people with Parkinson’s were diagnosed earlier than age 40. - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease/youngonset-parkinsons-disease

In this YouTube episode of Dr. Gilbert Hosts, Dr. Rebecca Gilbert, APDA’s VP and Scientific Officer, spoke with four inspiring individuals who are navigating these YOPD issues. Allison, Bryan, and Steven are all living with YOPD, and Bryan’s wife Julia brings the spouse/care partner perspective. 

The Sept. 11, 2023 issue of Parkison’s ProActivities had a story on what makes diagnosing YOPD so difficult  as well as how YOPD is often related to genes. A list of resources was included.  

Parkinson’s Foundation’s video, Living Well with Young-Onset PD, has panelists that discuss the circumstances specific to a YOPD diagnosis, the stigma they experienced and coping strategies. 

Check out PF’s full YOPD video playlist.