Can you have Parkinson's for years without knowing?

Can you have Parkinson's for years without knowing?

Years can pass before symptoms are obvious enough to make a person to go to the doctor. There's no 'one size fits all' when it comes to Parkinson's disease — different people will experience different symptoms, and of varying severity.

How long can you have Parkinson's before diagnosis?

In most cases, symptoms change slowly, with substantive progression taking place over the space of many months or years. Many people with PD have symptoms for at least a year or two before a diagnosis is actually made.

Is there a mild form of Parkinson's?

Stage 1 is the mildest form of Parkinson's. At this stage, there may be symptoms, but they're not severe enough to interfere with daily tasks and overall lifestyle. In fact, the symptoms are so minimal at this stage that they're often missed.

Can Parkinson's go undetected?

Because the majority of people who get Parkinson's disease are over the age of 60, the disease is often overlooked in younger people, leading many to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for extended periods of time.

What age does Parkinson's disease usually start?

It's not common to see Parkinson's disease in people younger than 50, but for a small subset of sufferers, the disease strikes early. While people are diagnosed with Parkinson's at an average age of 60, anything younger than 50 is considered young-onset Parkinson's, or YOPD.

What was your first Parkinson's symptom?

Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, your face may show little or no expression. Your arms may not swing when you walk.

What age does Parkinson's usually start?

It's not common to see Parkinson's disease in people younger than 50, but for a small subset of sufferers, the disease strikes early. While people are diagnosed with Parkinson's at an average age of 60, anything younger than 50 is considered young-onset Parkinson's, or YOPD.

How long can a person with Parkinson's disease live?

• According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, patients usually begin developing Parkinson’s symptoms around age 60. Many people with PD live between 10 and 20 years after being diagnosed. However, a patient’s age and general health status factor into the accuracy of this estimate.

How can you tell how far Parkinson's disease has progressed?

• To find out how far the disease has progressed, many doctors use a rating scale called the Hoehn and Yahr Staging of Parkinson's Disease: Stage one Mild symptoms affect only one side of the body. Stage two Symptoms affect both sides of the body, with posture and gait changes.

Can a person not be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease?

• Because there is no conclusive screening or test, patients with very early Parkinson’s disease may not meet the clinical diagnosis criteria. On the flip side, this lack of specificity means that you could be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, only to find out later that you have a different condition that mimics Parkinson’s.

How old do you have to be to get Parkinsons Disease?

• Age is another factor in the diagnosis and outlook for Parkinson’s disease. Most people will be diagnosed after the age of 60. Age can also make you more prone to falls and certain health diseases even without Parkinson’s disease.