Is young-onset Parkinson's more aggressive?

Question

Hi doctor,

My husband was just diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 35, and we are completely shattered. He started with a slight tremor in his right hand about 8 months ago, and now his movements have noticeably slowed. The neurologist has put him on levodopa-carbidopa 25/100 mg, but he is already experiencing off periods between doses.

I keep reading online and cannot help but wonder if Parkinson’s at such a young age always progresses quickly to severe stages. His DaTscan confirmed dopamine loss, and his UPDRS score was 28.

Is young-onset Parkinson's typically more aggressive, or does its progression depend on the individual?

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query, and I can understand your concern.

I am really sorry to hear that you and your husband are facing this situation. Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease at the age of 35 can be overwhelming, especially with young children and work commitments.

However, it is important to understand that young-onset Parkinson’s does not necessarily lead to a faster or more severe progression of the disease. In fact, many individuals diagnosed at a younger age often experience a slower overall disease progression compared to those diagnosed later in life. They may, however, encounter motor fluctuations, such as the “off” periods you have noticed with Levodopa, earlier in their treatment.

The progression of Parkinson’s varies widely among individuals and is influenced by factors such as personal biology, response to medication, and lifestyle choices, making it unpredictable. A Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score of 28 indicates mild to moderate symptoms at this stage. Fortunately, neurologists have several strategies to adjust treatment, including changing the dosing frequency, adding other medications, or considering advanced therapies later on to help manage those fluctuations.

Many individuals with young-onset Parkinson’s continue to work and stay active for years with the appropriate support, medication adjustments, and therapies like exercise and physical therapy, which are crucial in slowing functional decline.

It may be beneficial to maintain close contact with a movement disorder specialist and focus on what can be managed now, rather than worrying about potential future challenges. This condition often unfolds gradually, providing significant opportunities to maintain a good quality of life over time.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Thank you.