What Age Is YOPD? Here’s What To Know

Young-onset Parkinson’s disease —also known as YOPD, or early-onset Parkinson’s—refers to Parkinson’s disease diagnosed in people aged 50 or younger.

While most Parkinson’s diagnoses occur after 60, those with YOPD begin to notice symptoms and receive a diagnosis in their 30s-40s. In rare cases, YOPD may be diagnosed as early as the 20s or younger. 

This early diagnosis can lead to a dramatically different disease experience, both medically and socially, compared to those diagnosed later in life.

How Common Is YOPD?

It’s estimated that young-onset Parkinson’s disease makes up about 5-7% of all Parkinson’s disease cases in the Western hemisphere.

Because YOPD is less common, it’s also more challenging to diagnose. 

Early symptoms like stiffness, tremor, fatigue, or mood changes might be overlooked or misattributed to stress, anxiety, or other conditions. This often results in delayed diagnosis, making the actual onset younger than the official diagnosis age.

Because of this, exact numbers on people living with YOPD can be difficult to pin down, and prioritizing research on this subset of the population is more critical than ever.

Why Does YOPD Start So Early?

The reasons someone develops YOPD are complex, and scientists are still researching the causes. 

Like all forms of Parkinson’s, YOPD results from the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. However, the causes for early onset may include different contributing factors, including:

• Genetics

A significant number of YOPD cases have a genetic component. Mutations in specific genes, such as PRKN, are more commonly associated with YOPD than later-onset forms.

• Environmental Factors

Although still not fully understood, long-term exposure to certain toxins, head trauma, or rural living (linked to pesticide exposure) may play a role in increasing Parkinson’s risk at a younger age.

Living with YOPD: Words from PCLA’s Community

Managing a YOPD diagnosis comes with unique challenges, which is why the right care and support are essential for living your absolute best life.

Here’s how PCLA’s programming has benefited members of the YOPD community:

“In 2023, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Believe me, it was a shocker! I had so many thoughts in my head that I didn't know where to start. 

Sharing the news with my fiancé, it was tough. We started to look up information on Parkinson’s. PCLA came up and we found info on support groups for patients and caregivers. We both signed up. And it was a game-changer. They helped us to know what kind of specialist I needed and shared better resources.

If anyone asks me about Parkinson's, I always direct them to PCLA. It's been a lifesaver.” 

– Robert Campuzano  

“For a long time, I isolated myself from the people who cared about me. I stopped answering calls, skipped family gatherings, and withdrew into a shell of loneliness. The more I pulled away, the deeper I sank into my own thoughts, struggling to find a way out.

One day, in a moment of desperation, I searched online for something—anything—that might help. That’s when I found a virtual support group provided by PCLA. I hesitated at first, unsure if it would make any difference, but I joined anyway. 

To my surprise, it was exactly what I needed. Listening to people share their stories and struggles made me realize something powerful: community was essential to healing. We didn’t have to go through this alone.

Now, I’m proud to facilitate the Creciendo Junto Con Parkinson’s support group for Spanish-speaking individuals living with Parkinson’s. What began as my own journey out of isolation has grown into something much bigger—helping others find connection, strength, and hope. Through this group, I’ve felt the true power of community, and I see every day how it can change lives.”

– Alfred Perez

Remember, you are never alone! Discover PCLA’s complete list of YOPD resources.

Final Thoughts

YOPD is a distinct and impactful subset of Parkinson’s disease. While it affects a small portion of the Parkinson’s population, its consequences are deeply felt by those living with it. 

Understanding the age range, prevalence, and underlying causes of YOPD is an essential step toward early recognition, better treatment options, and stronger support systems tailored to younger people with Parkinson’s.

Living with YOPD? Discover PCLA’s YOPD resources.