What is Young Onset Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s disease in itself is a chronic progressive
neurological disease that affects a small area of nerve cells, neurons, in an
area of the brain known as the substantia nigra. These cells normally produce
dopamine, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals that coordinate smooth and
balanced
When Parkinson’s occurs these cells begin to die within the
brain, and as a result, body movements and other functions are affected by the
symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The actual cause of Parkinson’s is still not
known. By the time movement symptoms begin to show up the person has already
lost around 80% of these cells which do not grow back. Non-motor symptoms can
begin years before motor symptoms from the death of other cells in other areas
of the brain.
But what is Young Onset Parkinson’s? I’ve seen the actual
age minimum debated. I’ve seen it as early as 40. Some argue 45, while others
raise it as high as 65 or younger to be diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s.
It just depends on who’s website, research, blog, or any other wealth of
knowledge you want to get your source of knowledge from. I think you shouldn’t
get caught up on schematics unless you’re trying to convince Social Security or
your insurance. If you don’t consider yourself old and you get diagnosed with
Parkinson’s then by all means feel free to call it Young Onset Parkinson’s if
you face the challenges of the life a younger person does.
Most symptoms are the same at whatever the age PD develops,
it’s the managing the disease that can be particularly challenging for a
younger person and the person’s family medically, psychologically and socially.
It’s believed that the younger a person is diagnosed with
Parkinson’s, the smoother the course of the illness. But this isn’t always the
case. Overall, the rate of the disease’s progression is usually much slower in
younger than older people, which may be due in part to the fact that younger
people tend to have fewer general health problems and better support systems.
Problems such as memory loss, confusion and balance difficulties also tend to
be less frequent in the younger diagnosed. However, younger people tend to have
more involuntary movement problems known as dyskinesia due to Parkinson’s
medications.
Parkinson’s has been referred to as a “snowflake” disease.
Meaning no two people has the disease the same way. But there are four cardinal
symptoms:
- · Tremor (when at rest)
- · Bradykinesia (slowness)
- · Rigidity (stiffness)
- · Postural instability (balance problems)
Not all these symptoms have to be present for a diagnosis of
Parkinson’s to be considered. In fact, younger people may only notice one or
two, especially in the early stages. Not everyone with Parkinson’s has a
tremor, nor is a tremor positive proof of Parkinson’s. Nine years ago my first
sign of Parkinson’s began as a tremor in my right hand. It eventually
progressed into my left hand and then into my jaw. Nine years later, now my
tremor is barely noticeable unless I get very emotional or active.
Like I said, Parkinson’s used to be primarily known as a
movement disorder. It’s still listed as a movement disorder for insurance
purposes. But it’s now known there are multiple non-motor symptoms. Some are:
- · Changes in mood, especially depression
- · Sleep disorders
- · Changes in thinking
- · Problems with low blood pressure, bowel, bladder and sweating
- · Skin changes
Research has had a hard time pinpointing how many people in
the U.S. get Young Onset Parkinson’s because the disease is considered to be
often overlooked in the younger population. Diagnosing Parkinson’s is difficult
in itself alone. It took two years for me to get a diagnosis after the
development of my symptoms at the age of 29. My neurologist was not quick to
jump the gun with the diagnosis.
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