Parkinson’s disease, long considered a condition affecting the elderly, is now increasingly being detected among young adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, sparking concern among health experts.
Subtle early symptoms, often dismissed as stress or burnout, may actually serve as crucial warning signs that can enable timely diagnosis and better disease management.
According to a Hindustan Times report, Dr Sanjay Pandey, Professor and Head of the Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, warned that India is witnessing a sharp rise in early-onset cases.
He said, “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. This makes early-onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD) far more common than most people realise,” as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Dr Pandey noted that early symptoms are frequently underestimated as they overlap with the effects of stress. Sharing an example from his practice, he said, “Interestingly, I recently treated a 38-year-old male who had all these symptoms. He brushed them off as routine stress, only to learn that he had young-onset Parkinson’s triggered by a genetic factor,” as quoted by Hindustan Times.
The neurologist identified four key early signs in young adults: sudden shrinking of handwriting (micrographia), difficulty walking or moving, such as stiffness or dragging one foot, a soft or low voice, and mild tremors in the hands or fingers at rest.
Emphasising the importance of early action, Dr Pandey advised regular medical monitoring and lifestyle awareness. He said, “I highly recommend regular neurological screenings, paying attention to persistent symptoms, maintaining physical activity, and seeking evaluation if you have a family history. This can help immensely with early detection. If you notice any of these signs, consult a doctor promptly rather than waiting for them to worsen,” Hindustan Times has quoted.
Health experts stress that recognising these early red flags and seeking medical attention without delay can significantly improve outcomes for those at risk of early-onset Parkinson’s disease.
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