Parkinson’s disease, traditionally seen as a condition affecting older adults, is increasingly being diagnosed in young adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, raising concerns among health experts.
Subtle early symptoms, often mistaken for stress or fatigue, can serve as critical warning signs, enabling timely diagnosis and more effective management of the disease.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Dr. Sanjay Pandey, Professor and Head of Neurology and Stroke Medicine at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, highlighted a sharp rise in early-onset Parkinson’s cases in India.
“India is projected to have the highest absolute number of Parkinson’s cases globally, and nearly 40 to 45 per cent of Indian patients develop motor symptoms between the ages of 22 and 49. Early-onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD) is far more common than most people realize,” Dr. Pandey said.
He explained that early symptoms are often underestimated because they resemble common stress-related effects. Sharing an example, he said, “I recently treated a 38-year-old man who dismissed his symptoms as routine stress, only to discover he had young-onset Parkinson’s triggered by a genetic factor.”
Dr. Pandey identified four key early warning signs in young adults: sudden shrinking of handwriting (micrographia), difficulty walking or moving—such as stiffness or dragging a foot—a soft or low voice, and mild resting tremors in the hands or fingers.
Highlighting the importance of early intervention, he advised regular neurological check-ups and lifestyle awareness. “Regular screenings, paying attention to persistent symptoms, staying physically active, and consulting a doctor if you have a family history can help with early detection. Seek medical advice promptly if you notice these signs rather than waiting for them to worsen,” he said.
Health experts stress that recognizing these early red flags and seeking timely medical attention can significantly improve outcomes for young adults at risk of early-onset Parkinson’s disease.
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