What Is the Youngest Age Someone Can Be Diagnosed with Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is commonly associated with older adults, but did you know it can also affect younger people? One of the most compelling questions people ask is: What is the youngest age someone can be diagnosed with Parkinson’s? The answer might surprise you.

Although the average age of onset for Parkinson’s is around 60 years old, individuals can be diagnosed much earlier—even in their twenties or thirties. When Parkinson’s occurs in someone under the age of 50, it is referred to as Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).

​Understanding Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD):
Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease accounts for approximately 5–10% of all Parkinson’s cases. The youngest documented cases have been diagnosed in people as young as 20 years old. While extremely rare, this shows that Parkinson’s is not exclusively a disease of old age.

YOPD often presents with the same hallmark motor symptoms as typical Parkinson’s disease—tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance issues—but younger patients may also experience unique challenges.

These can include:

• Delayed diagnosis due to age-related assumptions
• Increased financial burden related to long-term treatment
• Workplace and family responsibilities impacted at an earlier life stage
• Greater likelihood of genetic involvement, such as mutations in the PARKIN or LRRK2 genes

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Because of these distinctions, early diagnosis and tailored support are crucial for those living with YOPD.

Living Well with Parkinson’s at Any Age
Whether someone is diagnosed at 28 or 78, support, education, and a strong community make all the difference. That’s where the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) comes in.

For over 25 years, PASWFL has provided free programs and services designed to improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease and related neurological disorders. Their commitment to wellness, education, and empowerment ensures that no one has to face Parkinson’s alone—no matter their age.

What PASWFL Offers
Each week, PASWFL delivers more than 25 free programs and support groups for individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

These include:

• Evidence-based wellness programs like movement classes, yoga, and voice therapy
• Expert-led educational sessions on PD management
• Support groups for care partners, young-onset patients, and newly diagnosed individuals
• Community outreach and advocacy initiatives

And the best part? There are no fees to become a member. Membership is open to anyone in Southwest Florida affected by Parkinson’s.

Join the PASWFL Community Today
Whether you're newly diagnosed, living with YOPD, or supporting a loved one, PASWFL is here to help you live well with Parkinson’s.
Click here to sign up for their free newsletter
Click here to become a free member
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To learn more about PASWFL’s services and resources, visit www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org. Empower yourself and your loved ones—because Parkinson’s doesn’t define you.