Early Onset Diagnosis - Now What?

It can be a difficult experience being diagnosis with Parkison’s Disease at a young age. There may be a lot of questions to process, in this post we hope to answer some of those questions as well as assist in the planning process for the future.

What Classifies Early onset PD:

• A diagnosis prior to the age of 50 years of age clarifies as early onset PD

What are the typical signs/symptoms on early onset PD:

• Most individuals that are diagnosised with early onset PD demonstrate similar “hallmark signs” as those diagnosed later in life.

• These “hallmark signs” are considered to be: rigidity, tremors, bradykinesia, and impaired posture

• Typically those diagnosed early in life have less severe symptoms early on. These symptoms include those that affect cognition or balance.

Prevelance:

• Currently best estimates suggest that 10-20% of individuals with PD were diagnosed in a way that classifies them as early onset.

What’s the Next Step?

• The first thing after receiving a diagnosis is the mental processing - this is not an easy concept to digest

• Most importantly, although there is no cure for PD, it is a not a death sentence. There are remarkable medically advancement and with the right medication and therapy you can continue to live an eventful and successful life.

Establish a Team

Once you are diagnosis, one recommendation is to establish a “Team” of specialists, loved ones, and peers as a support network.

• Neurologist - can assist with education on disease, medication, and other treatment options(movement disorder specialist

• Physical Therapist - LSVT BIG

• Occupation Therapist -

• Speech Therapist - LSVT LOUD

• Loved one

• Peers

• Support groups

Local Resources

Exercise: rock steady, virtual classes, PWR classes, tai chi, yoga, biking, adapted sports

Support groups: WC support group, BMRH support group