For decades, Parkinson’s disease was almost exclusively associated with aging. However, recent data reveal a different reality: this neurodegenerative disorder can manifest at any age  even in youth and early adulthood.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately 4% of patients are diagnosed before age 50, and 2% before age 40, a condition known as Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD). Epidemiological studies also indicate that a smaller group, known as juvenile parkinsonism, may develop the disease during adolescence due to specific genetic mutations.

A Spectrum News report shares powerful stories, such as that of Jessica Krauser, diagnosed at 37, whose tremors were initially attributed to stress. It took years for her condition to be correctly identified. This delay is not uncommon: in younger individuals, symptoms are often mistaken for muscular disorders or receive less clinical suspicion findings echoed by The Washington Post, which highlights frequent diagnostic delays in people under 45.

Global data also support a rise in EOPD. A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Neurology recorded sustained increases in the 20–44 and 30–49 age groups, especially in developing regions such as East Asia and Latin America.

Why is this happening? Experts point to a combination of genetic mutations (such as in PRKN, PINK1, or LRRK2 genes), environmental factors (exposure to toxins or pesticides), and lifestyle. In early-onset cases, the genetic component is often dominant, whereas aging remains the primary factor in late-onset Parkinson’s.

The emotional, professional, and family impact is substantial. For someone in their prime working years, an early diagnosis forces a reevaluation of career paths, parenting roles, and life plans — as documented by Spectrum News and The Washington Post.

From a therapeutic standpoint, treatment is similar to that for older patients: levodopa, MAO-B inhibitors, and dopamine agonists are standard options. However, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is emerging as a valuable alternative, particularly for younger patients with advanced symptoms.

Conclusion: Parkinson’s is not solely a disease of old age. Society and healthcare professionals must recognize and diagnose the condition in younger populations, ensuring timely access to appropriate treatment and improving long-term quality of life.