Parkinson’s disease is often thought of as something that only affects older people. However, this isn’t always true. Around 10–20% of Parkinson’s cases are found in people under 50 years old, and nearly half of these are diagnosed before the age of 40, according to the American Parkinson Disease Association.
This younger form of the disease is known as early-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD), and it presents unique challenges when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.
One of the main reasons why early-onset Parkinson’s is so tricky to catch early is because its symptoms often begin in subtle, quiet ways. Unlike the shaking hands or stiff movements commonly seen in older patients, younger individuals might first notice general aches and pains, tight muscles that feel like knots, or a slight tremble in a hand while resting.
Other signs might be slower movements, unsteady walking, or reduced facial expressions. These changes can happen slowly over time, so people often assume they’re just tired, overworked, or getting older.
Another symptom that may show up years before clear movement problems is trouble sleeping. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that people with a condition called REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), where they physically act out their dreams, often go on to develop Parkinson’s or related diseases.
This is especially common in military veterans with PTSD. In fact, 96% of people diagnosed with RBD eventually develop Parkinson’s, sometimes decades later. While there’s no single test that can diagnose Parkinson’s early, new research is exploring brain scans and how they might help track changes in brain fluid movement that could reveal signs of the disease before symptoms begin.
Mental health issues like depression and anxiety can also be early clues. These are often written off as regular stress or life problems, but for some people, they’re actually early signs of brain changes related to Parkinson’s. Other subtle signs might include pain in the arms or legs that doesn’t seem to have a physical cause. If these symptoms are missed or mistaken for other problems, the disease can silently get worse.
Genetics plays a big role in early-onset Parkinson’s. If someone has a family member with the disease, their own risk may be higher. Scientists have found several specific genes that are linked to Parkinson’s, including LRRK2, PARK2, and PINK1.
More recently, a new gene called CARS was identified by researchers at BGI Genomics as another possible cause. Knowing whether someone has one of these gene mutations can help doctors watch for the earliest signs of the disease and start treatment sooner.
But just having one of these genes doesn’t mean a person will definitely get Parkinson’s. Other things, like exposure to harmful chemicals, repeated head injuries, or other environmental factors, can also influence who gets sick and who doesn’t. That’s why it’s helpful to look at the full picture—genes, health history, lifestyle, and environment.
With today’s technology, genetic testing is more available and can give people a detailed look at their genetic makeup. Tests like Clinical Whole Exome Sequencing (cWES) from BGI Genomics can help doctors find the gene mutations linked to Parkinson’s.
If a person knows they’re at higher risk, they can take steps early, like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying mentally active. These lifestyle changes may help delay the disease or slow down how fast it gets worse.
Sadly, many young people with Parkinson’s feel isolated or misunderstood. Their symptoms might be ignored or misdiagnosed because of the belief that Parkinson’s only affects the elderly. This can lead to delays in getting the care they need.
Changing this mindset is important. By raising awareness, encouraging early testing, and understanding the role of genetics, we can help more people stay healthy for longer.
If you or someone you know is dealing with ongoing stiffness, shaking, or unexplained pain—especially if there’s a family history of Parkinson’s—it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. Parkinson’s doesn’t always wait for old age, and early action can make a big difference.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies that Vitamin B may slow down cognitive decline, and Mediterranean diet could help lower risk of Parkinson’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing Plant-based diets could protect cognitive health from air pollution.
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