Parkinson’s is a progressive disease commonly believed to affect only older adults. However, it is not limited to later life; younger people can also develop the condition, sometimes as early as their thirties. The signs may be very subtle, and not something that would immediately be associated with Parkinson’s disease .
Dr Neha Pandita, senior consultant neurologist and unit head, clinical lead for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders at Fortis Hospital, Noida, shared the subtle signs of young-onset Parkinson’s disease and described why they are mistaken for stress, poor posture and other everyday health problems. The strong association between Parkinson’s and old age can make the condition harder to identify in younger adults, as some early signs may be mistaken for the effects of lifestyle habits, such as excessive stress. Because their symptoms do not match the stereotypical image of the disease, patients may not even consider Parkinson’s a possibility. Because of this, early warning signs may be dismissed.
These symptoms may resemble orthopaedic problems or effects of stress and poor posture; patients may consult several specialists, such as physiotherapists or even psychologists, before finally seeing a neurologist. They may also have several possible causes, making their connection to Parkinson’s difficult to recognise. Because they affect different aspects of health, from sleep and smell to digestion, energy levels and mood, these symptoms may initially appear unrelated.
