Young Onset Parkinson's Disease
Some doctors consider anyone diagnosed with PD under the age of 55 to have young-onset Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is mostly diagnosed in people over the age of 60. However, some people develop the disease at younger ages. Some doctors consider anyone diagnosed with PD under the age of 55 to have young-onset Parkinson’s disease, while other doctors would classify YOPD under the age of 50. A person under the age of 21 is diagnosed with Juvenile Onset Parkinson’s.
Causes of Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease
The exact cause of PD is not known, although scientists believe it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The genetic factors play a larger role in young-onset PD, and researchers have found certain genetic mutations that are linked to a higher risk of developing young-onset PD, are PRKN, SNCA, Parkin (Park2), PINK1 (Park6), and LRRK2.
While genetic testing is available, not everyone who has these genetic mutations develops PD, and the presence of these genetic mutations does not impact treatment decisions. Researchers continue to study the impact of genetic and external factors in the development of PD.
Unique characteristics of young-onset Parkinson’s disease
Although Parkinson’s is similar among people of all ages, those with young-onset PD generally have slower disease progression. They also tend to experience more side effects from dopaminergic medications and are more likely to have dyskinesias in response to the drug levodopa. Dyskinesias are abnormal, involuntary movements. Other problems associated with PD, such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with balance tend to occur less often in people with young-onset Parkinson’s. However, as with PD in older patients, the disease severity and symptoms vary from person to person.
Symptoms of Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease
The same symptoms that are seen in older patients with PD are seen in young-onset PD, including:
- Tremor of the hands, arms, legs, or face
- Rigidity of the limbs and trunk
- Slowness of movement
- Gradual loss of spontaneous movement (bradykinesia)
- Impaired balance
- Lack of coordination
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Impaired memory or thinking
- Difficulties with urination or constipation
- Reduced sense of smell
In general, people with young-onset PD less frequently have memory loss, confusion, and balance difficulties. They tend to experience more cramping and abnormal postures, such as the arching of the foot, and depression. Due to PD mostly known to as an older person’s disease younger people often struggle to get a diagnosis.
Treatment for young-onset Parkinson’s disease
Young-onset PD people respond well to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and exercise to alleviate motor symptoms.
Neurologists often use medications for people with YOPD, including monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors and dopamine agonists. The use of Levadopa (Senimet) may also be considered.
Young Parkinson’s Ireland – YPI
A branch of the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland that offers information and support from people who understand and who know what it is like living with Young Onset Parkinson’s.
Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) Conference 2026
Parkinson’s Ireland is delighted to announce the return of our Annual Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) Conference, taking place on Saturday, 28 November 2026. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are once again bringing together members of the Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease community from across Ireland for a day of connection, learning,…
New Early Onset PD Exercise Class in Dublin
Parkinson’s Ireland is pleased to announce a new exercise class for those living with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners. The classes commence on September 3rd at The Arena, Tallaght and runs for a 6-week pilot. The classes are offered free of charge but registration is required via the link below. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=P4KMQphKrE-ZqN6GWm8c9joX6H-zKRtEsRtnz1SbyK1UM0MzM0ZWREVNUTZHRjBFTE5HNjNMQ1A2NC4u&route=shorturl
Yoga for YPI members
We are delighted to announce that Yoga for YPI members will resume on Wednesday, 9 September, from 7:15pm to 8:15pm The class is delivered via Zoom from 7:15pm to 8:15pm every Wednesday evening. Benefits of Yoga The zoom details are – Meeting ID 5189398051 Anyone interested in joining needs to call Theresa Kearney on 086 0532432 to…
YPI – Private Facebook Page
For members of the YPI Branch only YPI Branch uses private WhatsApp groups to communicate with our members as well as a private Facebook Group. First step is to apply to join the Facebook group by searching for YPI Branch on Facebook and then asking to join the group, after approval by an Admin you…
Catriona Kinnevey Shares Her Story of Young Onset Parkinson’s on Ireland AM
Catriona Kinnevey, board member of Parkinson’s Ireland, recently appeared on Ireland AM to share her personal experience of living with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease. In a powerful and honest conversation, Catriona spoke about the challenges she has faced, as well as the resilience and determination that continue to shape her journey. Her openness helps to…
Yong Onset Parkinson’s Disease Conference 2025
Parkinson’s Ireland was delighted to host a successful inaugural Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease conference in the Marine Hotel, Sutton last Saturday. There were over 40 participants who enjoyed various workshops including very informative sessions on Living with YOPD from Dr. Anhar Hassan, and on Parkinson’s Research by Dr. Niamh Connolly. Participants also took part in…
Talking to children and teenagers about Parkinson’s Disease
Talking to children and teenagers about PD. If you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and have children or grandchildren, you may be thinking about how to talk to them about your condition. Maybe you’re worried about how to start the conversation or how they’ll react. You may also be concerned about how your Parkinson’s will affect family life.…
YPI Trim Walk – May 2022
A large contingent of YPI Members headed to Trim to walk along the Boyne River eastwards to Newtown (which is not actually a new town at all). We were joined by Terry Cassidy, a member of the Meath Birdwatch Ireland who opened our eyes to the many and varied birds living on the river banks.…
Second Wednesday Book Club
We meet via zoom on the second Wednesday of each month. We don’t restrict ourselves to Books, that’s for amateurs, we also review Cinema releases and movies streamed through the likes of Netflix, Apple+ etc.
