Young onset Parkinson’s symptoms: what to look out for
Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD) is a condition that strikes individuals under the age of 50, bringing with it a unique set of challenges and symptoms.
While the average age for a Parkinson's diagnosis is 60, 10-20% of people are diagnosed under age 50.
And while early detection helps people manage and navigate the condition, the first signs of Parkinson's in younger people can often go unnoticed or misdiagnosed.
In this blog, we delve into the early symptoms associated with Young Onset Parkinson's, helping you to understand what to look out for and how to seek help in the UK.
Understanding Young-Onset PD
Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement, but also has non-motor symptoms that impact mental capacity and memory.
Parkinson Disease occurs when certain nerve cells in the brain gradually break down or die.
In early onset Parkinson's, the symptoms may initially be subtle, making diagnosis challenging.
And while people experience the disease differently, there are key signs to look out for to help you diagnose young-onset PD early and get the help you need to navigate life after a diagnosis.
Early symptoms of Young Onset Parkinson's to watch out for
Tremors
One of the main symptoms of Parkinson's is involuntary tremors, which often begin on one side of the body.
In YOPD, tremors might initially be mild and may not interfere significantly with daily activities.
They can occur in the hands, fingers, or even the jaw.
Bradykinesia
Bradykinesia is the term for a slowness of movement and can manifest as a delay in initiating voluntary movements.
People developing the early signs of young onset Parkinson's may notice difficulty with simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt or brushing their teeth.
Bradykinesia can also affect facial expressions, leading to a reduced range of facial movements known as hypomimia.
Muscle stiffness
Young Onset Parkinson's can cause muscles to become stiff and inflexible, leading to discomfort or pain.
Rigidity may be more pronounced on one side of the body initially and can affect various muscle groups, including those in the arms, legs, or neck.
Instability
Balance problems may emerge early in YOPD, leading to a feeling of unsteadiness or difficulty maintaining an upright posture.
People may be more likely to stumble or fall, especially when turning or changing direction.
Changes in speech
Parkinson's can affect speech patterns, resulting in softer or more monotone speech. Some individuals may also experience slurring of words or hesitation before speaking.
Micrographia
This refers to the tendency to write in progressively smaller handwriting. It is a common early sign of Parkinson's, including in early-onset cases.
Loss of smell (hyposmia)
Olfactory dysfunction, or a diminished sense of smell, can occur in the early stages of YOPD. This subtle symptom may precede motor symptoms by several years and is worth noting, especially if accompanied by other potential indicators.
Where to find help for early onset PD in the UK
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's vital to seek out help as soon as possible.
Early diagnosis can help you to manage your condition and gain the support and advice you need to move forward and maintain a good quality of life.
In the UK, your first point of contact should be your GP, who will assess your symptoms, provide referrals to specialists if needed, and help you to come up with strategies to manage the motor and non-motor symptoms you're experiencing.
About Quality In Parkinson's
We are a small UK charity dedicated to helping people with Parkinson's improve their quality of life.
Our charity was founded by Ray Wegrzyn after he developed early-onset PD at the age of just 39.
Now, we fund fitness and arts projects across the UK to help people living with the condition to take part in activities and initiatives that help ease some symptoms, give them renewed purpose, connect with others, and navigate life with Parkinson's.
