Parkinson’s isn’t just an old-age disease anymore; doctors warn early signs are being ignored

Parkinson’s disease, long associated with ageing, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals with neurologists warning that early symptoms are often overlooked, delaying critical intervention.

“Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily caused by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. Early symptoms such as mild tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness, or changes in handwriting are often overlooked,” said Dr. Rajat Chopra, Senior Consultant and Head – Neurology at Yatharth Hospital. He added that OPD data is showing a rising number of cases across age groups, including younger patients.

Experts note that the condition often begins with subtle non-motor symptoms. “Sleep disturbances, constipation, and depression may precede motor signs,” said Dr. Avinash Kumar, Consultant Neurologist at Gleneagles Fortis Hospital, stressing that early recognition is key to improving outcomes.

Dr. Swarupa Bansode, Consultant Neurologist at Sarvodaya Hospital, said delays in recognising early signs—such as tremors, stiffness, or balance issues—can impact treatment effectiveness. “Early diagnosis allows us to begin treatment at the right time, helping maintain day-to-day functioning for longer,” she said.

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Highlighting the complexity of early detection, Dr. Anish Mehta, Movement Disorder Specialist at Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences, said non-motor symptoms like loss of smell and REM sleep behaviour disorder can appear years before visible movement issues. “These early signs are often mistaken for normal ageing,” he noted.

Advances in science are now improving early diagnosis. “Genetic testing is shifting Parkinson’s diagnosis from reactive to proactive care,” said Dr. Ramesh Menon of MedGenome Labs, adding that identifying high-risk individuals early can enable timely intervention.

While there is no cure, treatment options have expanded significantly. “Medications remain the first line, but advanced therapies such as deep brain stimulation have improved quality of life,” said Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, Director – Stereotactic and Functional Neurosciences at Fortis Hospital.

Doctors emphasise that Parkinson’s is manageable with a holistic approach, including physiotherapy, exercise, and caregiver support. With timely care and awareness, patients can continue to lead active and independent lives.