Some Questions and Answers

Can a child develop Parkinson’s disease?

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Answers:

Dr. Nader Pouratian, MD , Neurosurgery, answered on behalf of UCLA Health

Parkinson’s disease most often is diagnosed in patients over the age of 60, although there are many patients with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (diagnosed before the age of 50). Juvenile Parkinson’s disease in patients under the age of 20 is extremely rare. Childhood onset of parkinsonism is almost always due to either a genetic cause or due to another injury such as a stroke, brain injury or hydrocephalus. Genetic conditions to consider include parkin gene mutation, Wilson’s disease, drug-induced parkinsonism, spinocerebellar ataxias, dopa-responsive dystonia and others.

The risk for Parkinson’s disease increases with age, but no one is completely immune. Although rare, children and young adults can have Parkinson’s. Keep in mind, though, that it’s quite rare for someone to develop the condition before the age of 50.

http://www.themedics.info/2016/02/11/can-a-child-develop-parkinsons-disease/
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Can you die from Parkinson's disease?
Most doctors say that Parkinson’s disease itself is not fatal. You die with Parkinson's disease, not from it. However, as symptoms worsen they can cause incidents that result in death. For example, in advanced cases, difficulty swallowing can cause Parkinson’s patients to aspirate food into the lungs, leading to pneumonia or other pulmonary conditions. Loss of balance can cause falls that result in serious injuries or death. The seriousness of these incidents depends greatly on the patient's age, overall health and disease stage.

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My grandfather, mother and brother all had Parkinson’s disease. Now I have it. Does that mean my children will get it?

While a small percentage of Parkinson’s disease cases are caused by genetic changes, the large majority are not. Nonetheless, scientific data over the past several years supports the emerging belief that genetics plays a more significant role in Parkinson’s disease than was previously thought.

Understanding in this field is evolving rapidly. Today, most scientists believe that the majority of Parkinson’s disease cases are likely caused by one or more genetic factors combined with exposure to one or more environmental neurotoxins, such as pesticides or other chemicals.

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How can I help speed a cure?

A Parkinson's disease diagnosis is life changing, and at times, it can feel as if things are spinning out of control. One way to regain control is to get involved in the search for a cure by volunteering for clinical research. Volunteers are vitally needed for clinical studies, which are the last and critical stage of research before new treatments are brought to market. There is a particular need for newly-diagnosed patients and for people who don’t have Parkinson’s disease (referred to as “controls”).

First, check out Fox Trial Finder, a Web-based solution designed to connect willing volunteers with the clinical trials that urgently need them. Using state-of-the-art technology, Fox Trial Finder compares volunteer information, like location and medical history, with clinical trial eligibility requirements to find the best potential matches at study sites close to where you live. Visit Fox Trial Finder today to create a profile and learn more.

Additionally, learn about PPMI (Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative), a clinical study to find biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease. Currently, your doctor depends on the description you provide of your symptoms and their own examination in making decisions regarding your diagnosis and management. Imagine having an objective marker they could use instead, much like a glucose measurement in the management of diabetes. That’s the goal of PPMI.

Whether you yourself are facing the challenge of Parkinson’s disease, or are touched by the disease in another way, every single person can play a role in the search for a cure. The answer is in all of us.

To see more Questions & Answers, please go to:

https://www.michaeljfox.org/understanding-parkinsons/i-have-got-what.php