Parkinson disease living in teenagers

Overview

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that happens when certain nerve cells in the brain stop working properly. These cells normally produce a chemical called dopamine, which helps control movement. In Parkinson’s, the lack of dopamine leads to shaking, stiffness, and trouble with balance. While it is most common in older adults, it can rarely affect teenagers – this is called early-onset or juvenile Parkinson’s disease.

No, Parkinson’s disease is very uncommon in teenagers. Only a tiny fraction of people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before age 20.

Parkinson’s in teenagers is extremely rare. When it does occur, it is often linked to changes in specific genes. Both boys and girls can be affected, though it is slightly more common in boys in all age groups.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Tremor (shaking) in a hand, arm, or leg, often when resting
• Stiffness in the arms, legs, or trunk
• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Shuffling walk or dragging one foot

Symptoms in children

• Symptoms may start with a tremor in one hand or a leg that seems stiff.
• Children may appear clumsy or have trouble writing clearly.
• Facial expressions may be less noticeable (masked face).
• School performance might be affected due to slow movements or difficulty concentrating.

Symptoms in older adults

• Tremor more common in hands and head.
• Stiffness and slowness may be more pronounced.
• Balance problems often lead to falls.
• Non-movement symptoms like depression, sleep problems, and memory issues are more common.

Causes

Main causes

• In most people, the exact cause is unknown. It involves a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
• In teenagers, Parkinson’s is often caused by changes (mutations) in certain genes, such as the parkin gene.
• These genetic changes can be inherited from a parent or occur spontaneously.

Risk factors

• Family history of Parkinson’s – having a close relative with the condition increases risk, especially if onset is early.
• Certain genetic mutations are strongly linked to young-onset Parkinson’s.
• Head injury may increase the risk, but this is less clear for teenagers.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your teen has a sudden change in ability to move, talk, or swallow.
• If they have a fall that causes a head injury or broken bone.
• If they express thoughts of harming themselves.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment if you notice a persistent tremor, stiffness, or trouble with walking that does not go away.
• If there is a family history of Parkinson’s and your teen develops movement problems, see a doctor.
• If your teen complains of feeling depressed, anxious, or has trouble sleeping along with movement symptoms.

Diagnosis

There is no single test for Parkinson’s. A doctor will take a detailed history of symptoms and do a physical exam. They may ask your teen to do simple movements, like walking, writing, or tapping fingers. The doctor will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Tests that may be done

• Neurological exam to check movement, balance, and reflexes.
• Sometimes a dopamine transporter (DaT) scan to look at dopamine levels in the brain – this can help confirm the diagnosis.
• Blood tests or genetic testing may be done to rule out other causes or to check for known gene mutations.

What to expect at your appointment

Seeing a specialist called a neurologist is common. The diagnosis can take time because symptoms can be subtle at first. The doctor will work with you and your teen to monitor symptoms over several visits. Getting diagnosed can be scary, but it also means you can start getting the right support.

Treatment

Treatment for Parkinson’s in teenagers focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. There is no cure, but a combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help. Treatment plans are tailored to each person.

Self-care at home

• Stay active with gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga to keep muscles flexible.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fiber to prevent constipation.
• Get enough sleep and try to keep a regular sleep routine.
• Use assistive devices if needed, like a walking stick or special utensils to make eating easier.

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medications that help the brain use dopamine more effectively or that control tremor and stiffness. These include levodopa (a natural chemical the brain turns into dopamine) and other types of drugs. The choice depends on age, symptoms, and side effects. In young people, doctors often start with lower doses and monitor closely. For some, deep brain stimulation (a surgical treatment) may be considered later if medications stop working well.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) is sometimes an option for teenagers with advanced symptoms that don’t respond to medication. DBS involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain. This decision is made carefully by a team of specialists.

Living with this condition

Living with Parkinson’s as a teenager means learning to adapt. You may need extra time to get dressed or do homework. Using tools like voice recorders or apps can help with memory and tasks. It is important to talk about your feelings with family, friends, or a counselor. You can still go to school, hang out with friends, and plan for the future.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active – even small amounts of exercise help mood and movement.
• Eat small, frequent meals to keep energy up and manage swallowing problems if they occur.
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to reduce stress, which can worsen symptoms.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol – they can interact with medications and make symptoms worse.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fiber and fluids can help prevent constipation, a common issue. Some people find that eating protein at different times than their medication helps it work better. A physical therapist can design safe exercises to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Regular movement also helps with mood.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being diagnosed with a chronic condition at a young age can be emotionally hard. Teens may feel angry, sad, or worried about the future. Depression and anxiety are common. It is very important to talk to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or social worker. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, please tell someone you trust or call your local crisis helpline. You are not alone.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent Parkinson’s disease, especially the inherited forms that affect teenagers. Research is ongoing, but at this time, there are no proven prevention strategies.

Complications

If left untreated

• Worsening movement problems that lead to falls and injuries.
• Difficulty swallowing, which can cause choking or pneumonia.
• Severe depression or anxiety that affects daily life.
• Problems with thinking and memory over time.

Long-term outlook

While Parkinson’s is a lifelong condition, many people with young-onset Parkinson’s live full and active lives for many years. Treatment advances continue to improve symptoms and quality of life. It is important to stay hopeful, build a strong support network, and work closely with your healthcare team. You can still pursue your education, career, relationships, and hobbies.

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