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Parkinson’s in young adults: ‘Different symptoms than in the elderly’
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Parkinson’s symptoms in young adults
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Professor Patrick Cras, neurologist at UZA: “Initially, young patients suffer from vague complaints that are more difficult to link to Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms such as tingling in an arm, clumsiness, unexplained shoulder pain or cramps are often seen in this group. But they can also suffer from depression, reduced motivation, reduced sense of smell or sleep disorders where they start to perform all kinds of movements during sleep.” Figures show that, on average, these patients stop working six to seven years after their diagnosis because the symptoms are too pronounced. The depression, anxiety, uncertainty about the future and memory complaints also have an important impact on social life and relationships.
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Parkinson’s disease treatment in young adults
A mutation in the LRRK2 gene is the most common cause of early onset Parkinson’s disease. Medication has been developed that can specifically intervene in this process. It is currently in the testing phase. Professor Patrick Cras: “Despite the fact that such a diagnosis often hits like a bombshell, this group of patients shows a special strength in addition to their challenges. I am always impressed by their extraordinary adaptability, how they persevere despite their diagnosis, on good days and bad. This is really admirable.”
Read also: Can a blood test detect Parkinson’s disease early?
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Early childhood Parkinson’s testimonial Celia De Leeuw, 52 years old: ”I got the first symptoms when I was 48. Some people thought I sometimes walked a bit strange. I thought, “Where do they get it?” However, when I was out on a weekend with my friends, someone who saw me for the first time made the same comment. And then there were other symptoms: poor motor skills in my left hand, my leg dragged, my hand didn’t swing when I stepped and I also had a lot more salivation. But who was thinking about Parkinson’s?” Read also: Testimony: 32 years and Parkinson’s |