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Rachel V Thomas

Parkinson’s at 40: Why Younger Adults Are Being Diagnosed Earlier Than Before

Once known to affect only people over 60, Parkinson’s Disease is now increasingly being seen in young adults, especially at the age of 40, said health experts on World Parkinson’s Day today.

World Parkinson’s Day is observed every year on April 11 to raise awareness about the brain condition that causes <span>tremors</span>, slowness of movement, and trouble walking.

Parkinson’s is a progressive and neurodegenerative movement disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.

Progressive decline in mobility is a key issue among Parkinson's patients, impacting their independence and quality of life. Other problems include slow movement, tremor, imbalance, cognitive impairment, mental health disorders, sleep disorders, and pain.

<strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-parkinsons-day-2026-origin-theme-and-global-burden-article-154048966" data-type="tilCustomLink">World Parkinson's Day 2026: Origin, Theme And Global Burden</a>

<h2>Young-onset Parkinson’s Disease</h2>

According to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, a diagnosis of Parkinson’s between the ages of 21 and 50 is referred to as early-onset Parkinson’s disease, or young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD).

Exposure to <span>environmental toxins</span> and lifestyle changes are major reasons for the rise in Parkinson's in this group. 

While the symptoms of the disease are mostly the same at whatever age it develops, younger people will experience the disease differently due to their unique life circumstances. Managing the disease can be particularly challenging for a younger person and their family from a medical, psychological, and social standpoint.

"There is a perceived increase in younger-onset Parkinson’s in India. Possible reasons include better awareness and diagnosis (more neurologists, improved access to care), environmental exposures (pesticides, heavy metals), and air/water pollution. Lifestyle (sedentary habits) and urbanization-related factors may also contribute," Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, told HealthandMe.

A 2022 study, published in NPJ Parkinson's Disease, showed that the incidence of Parkinson’s disease, or the number of new cases diagnosed per year, is 50 per cent higher than previously estimated.

Instead of past estimates of 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease diagnosed per year, the study determined that there are approximately 90,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease diagnosed in the US per year.

"Young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) is on the rise, mainly in the middle socio-demographic index. These countries include India, China, and some Southeast Asian countries," Dr Paresh Doshi, Director of Neurosurgery and Stereotactic &amp; Functional Neurosurgery at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre.

"According to one research paper, the age-standardized incidence rate has been rising at an alarming rate of 1.4 per cent per annum. To put it in perspective, if the incidence was 100/10,00,000 in 1995, it would be 153/10,00,000 in 2026," he added. 

The experts noted that, along with the rising disability burden, mortality is reducing. The compound effect of all these is a larger number of YOPD patients suffering longer. Surgeries like deep-brain stimulation can help reduce these disabilities significantly.

“I Thought I Was Slowing Down”: Expert Reveals Parkinson’s Warning Signs

<h2>Checklist for Parkinson’s: Signs You Should Not Ignore</h2>

Early recognition is critical, as many symptoms precede motor features by years. 

<ul><li>Reduced sense of smell (anosmia) </li><li>Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) </li><li>Reduced arm swing while walking </li><li>Resting tremor </li><li>Masked facies (reduced facial expression) </li><li>Change in handwriting (micrographia)</li></ul>

<em></em>Other important symptoms, which are often overlooked: 

<ul><li><span rel="noindex">Constipation</span> </li><li>Sleep disturbances (especially REM sleep Behavior disorder) </li><li>Depression or anxiety.</li></ul>

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Once known to affect only people over 60, Parkinson’s Disease is now increasingly being seen in young adults, especially at the age of 40, said health experts on World Parkinson’s Day today.World Parkinson’s Day is observed every year on April 11 to raise awareness about the brain condition that causes tremors, slowness of movement, and trouble walking. Parkinson’s is a progressive and neurodegenerative movement disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.Progressive decline in mobility is a key issue among Parkinson's patients, impacting their independence and quality of life. Other problems include slow movement, tremor, imbalance, cognitive impairment, mental health disorders, sleep disorders, and pain.Also read: World Parkinson's Day 2026: Origin, Theme And Global BurdenYoung-onset Parkinson’s Disease According to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, a diagnosis of Parkinson’s between the ages of 21 and 50 is referred to as early-onset Parkinson’s disease, or young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD). Exposure to environmental toxins and lifestyle changes are major reasons for the rise in Parkinson's in this group. While the symptoms of the disease are mostly the same at whatever age it develops, younger people will experience the disease differently due to their unique life circumstances. Managing the disease can be particularly challenging for a younger person and their family from a medical, psychological, and social standpoint."There is a perceived increase in younger-onset Parkinson’s in India. Possible reasons include better awareness and diagnosis (more neurologists, improved access to care), environmental exposures (pesticides, heavy metals), and air/water pollution. Lifestyle (sedentary habits) and urbanization-related factors may also contribute," Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, told HealthandMe. A 2022 study, published in NPJ Parkinson's Disease, showed that the incidence of Parkinson’s disease, or the number of new cases diagnosed per year, is 50 per cent higher than previously estimated. Instead of past estimates of 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease diagnosed per year, the study determined that there are approximately 90,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease diagnosed in the US per year."Young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) is on the rise, mainly in the middle socio-demographic index. These countries include India, China, and some Southeast Asian countries," Dr Paresh Doshi, Director of Neurosurgery and Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre."According to one research paper, the age-standardized incidence rate has been rising at an alarming rate of 1.4 per cent per annum. To put it in perspective, if the incidence was 100/10,00,000 in 1995, it would be 153/10,00,000 in 2026," he added.  The experts noted that, along with the rising disability burden, mortality is reducing. The compound effect of all these is a larger number of YOPD patients suffering longer. Surgeries like deep-brain stimulation can help reduce these disabilities significantly.   Checklist for Parkinson’s: Signs You Should Not Ignore Early recognition is critical, as many symptoms precede motor features by years. Common early signs include: Reduced sense of smell (anosmia) Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) Reduced arm swing while walking Resting tremor Masked facies (reduced facial expression) Change in handwriting (micrographia)Other important symptoms, which are often overlooked: Constipation Sleep disturbances (especially REM sleep Behavior disorder) Depression or anxiety.

parkinson’s at 40: why younger adults are being diagnosed earlier than before

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