Parkinson’s disease usually manifests itself in old age, after 65 years of age; however, a group of patients have an early onset, between 21 and 40 years of age, and a very small percentage debuts with this neurological disease before 21 years of age. This is called juvenile Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Pablo Zumaeta, neurologist of our clinic and founding member of the Academy of Neurosciences of Peru, gives us valuable information about this disease.

What are the symptoms of juvenile Parkinson’s?

• Symptoms are not the same in all patients. Some have resting tremors on one side of the body, stiffness, and involuntary muscle contractions, especially of the leg or foot.
• Gait disturbances, slow movements, dizziness, abnormal sweating, or excessive urination may be seen, among other signs.

Main risk factors

• One of the main risk factors for developing this pathology is genetic. Having a relative with Parkinson’s disease, with an early onset, that is, before the age of 55, is a warning sign.
• An early diagnosis allows giving quality of life to those who present this ailment.

How is it treated?

• This disease is usually treated with levodopa. There is almost always a good response to treatment from the beginning; however, fluctuations in improvement and abnormal movements are more frequent, even from the first months. The worsening of the condition is slower compared to adult patients.
• Before diagnosing juvenile Parkinson’s disease in an adolescent presenting with muscle rigidity and/or slow movements, several liver and brain pathologies (Wilson’s) or other rare conditions such as rigid Huntington’s disease, and neuroacanthocytosis, among others, should be ruled out.

Remember

One out of every 400 patients with Parkinson’s disease suffers from juvenile Parkinson’s, and the risk of suffering from this disease increases by 70% if you have a close relative with the disease. This is why it is so important to have a comprehensive medical check-up once a year. In this way, this neurodegenerative disease can be ruled out early.

Dr. Pablo Zumaeta
Neurologist of our clinic and founding member of the Academy of Neurosciences of Perú