Parkinson’s disease, which occurs due to the decrease or damage of cells that secrete dopamine in the brain, is known as an age-related disease and commonly referred to as “shaking palsy” in the public. In individuals affected by this deficiency, symptoms such as rigidity, tremor, stiffness, slowness, dull facial expression, mask-like face, and walking with small steps can occur. Although Parkinson’s disease is generally observed in individuals over the age of 60, experts state that the onset age can vary between 20 and 50 years in 5 to 10% of patients. Specialists at Medipol University’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center (PARMER) emphasized the need to investigate genetic factors in Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease, highlighting that the diagnosis can also be made before the age of 50.

GENETIC DIAGNOSIS IS IMPORTANT IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Medipol University’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center (PARMER), Neurology Specialist Dr. Başak Bolluk Kılıç emphasized the importance of investigating genetic causes in young age group patients. Dr. Kılıç stated, “Although Parkinson’s disease is generally considered to be a disease of individuals over the age of 60, 5 to 10% of patients have an onset age between 20 and 50. Genetic causes must be investigated in young patients. The presence of Parkinson’s disease in a parent or sibling in the family increases the risk of developing the disease. Inherited Parkinson’s disease mostly begins at a younger age and constitutes approximately 5% of all Parkinson’s patients.”

DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION TREATMENT IN YOUNG PARKINSON’S PATIENTS

Medipol University’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center (PARMER), Neurosurgeon Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Zırh, emphasized that age alone is not a criterion for DBS treatment. He stated, “Although Parkinson’s disease is mostly known as a disease of older individuals, it can also be seen in young people and even children. The first choice in the treatment of Parkinson’s is medication. Surgical intervention is considered when medication treatment is insufficient or severe side effects from medication occur. Age is not a sole criterion for surgery; factors such as the patient’s response to medication, mental condition, and the anatomical structure of the brain determine the decision for surgery. DBS treatment, which is also applied to young patients considered suitable for surgery, involves the detection of the locations of cells responsible for the disease by individually monitoring their electrical activities in the brain and iserting two electrodes. During the surgery, the patient remains awake while listening to the sound of the cells. The response of the patients to very low-current stimulation is observed. After the electrodes are placed, an electrical current is provided to the electrodes through a pacemaker-like device implanted under the skin in the chest area. Following the programming of the neurostimulator, the negative symptoms observed in the patient are eliminated, allowing the patient to return to their previous healthy days.”

THE FIRST SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON’S STARTED AT THE AGE OF 27

Özay Özdemir, who lives in Denizli, experienced the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 27. Özdemir, who couldn’t receive a diagnosis for many years, said the following about his experience with the disease: “At the age of 27, I started experiencing tremors in my left hand. Then it spread to my right hand and legs. For many years, they said that the cause of my tremors was neurological. Over time, I began to struggle with tasks such as eating, writing, speaking, sleeping, and even meeting my daily needs. I would hide from people so they wouldn’t see my tremors. I became hesitant even around my own children. I have five siblings, and my older brother and sister also have tremors. My brother passed away due to cancer. At the age of 35, I came to Dr. Ali Zırh and learned that the cause of my tremors was Parkinson’s disease. After DBS surgery recommended by Mr. Ali following the necessary evaluations, all of my complaints disappeared. Thankfully, I am much better now than my previous life. I can spend time with my children as I wish. It’s like living a second life.”