Parkinson’s disease is not just the tremors of an elderly person. For Jessica Krauser, diagnosed at 37, the journey was long.
A difficult diagnosis to make in young people
Because of often atypical symptoms, doctors can take time to identify the pathology. “When faced with a young subject, it is often more difficult to detect Parkinson’s disease“, recognized Professor Philippe Damier, neurologist at Nantes University Hospital and president of the Scientific Committee of the France Parkinson association, in a previous True Medical article.
“There is not always a specific gene or difficulties which wrongly point towards rheumatological problems, such as pain in the shoulder, ankle, etc., or psychiatric ones, such as depressive symptoms”.
And unlike the axial forms common among seniors, “in young patients, the expression of the disease tends to be more peripheral (leg dragging, upper limb slightly clumsy, etc.)”he specified.
The psychological impact of the announcement
For Jessica, the first sign of the disease was also atypical. “The first visible symptom I recognized was a tremor in my hand“, confides the young woman. After years of wandering, the diagnosis came: Early-onset Parkinson’s. Like Jessica, many young patients have to relearn how to live with a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
But being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 40 or 45 is a real cataclysm. The violence of the announcement requires specific support.
“In certain hospital and university centers (CHU), there are consultation consultations for these young patients, based on the model of what is done in oncology, with dedicated nursing staff in addition to neurologists, such as specialized nurses, psychologists, etc.” according to the expert.
Treatments and innovations: from medication to technology
After the shock of the announcement comes the time for treatment. Treatment aims to compensate for the dopamine deficiency. If medications remain the basis, strategies differ depending on age. In young people, dopamine agonists are often favored.which have the advantage of a longer duration of action. One dose per day may therefore be sufficient and the risk of dyskinesia is lower than with L-dopa. confides the neurologist.
When treatments are no longer enough, deep brain stimulation (DBS) or more recent technologies such as adaptive DBS (called a “closed loop” system, capable of adjusting stimulation based on data from the brain itself) can be offered. For Jessica, this technology, a sort of “cardiac pacemaker for the brain” was a revelation. “As soon as I turn the switch back on, my tremors disappear completely.”
The crucial importance of the holistic approach
Finally, the patient must become an actor in his care. Social connections and physical activity are essential to slow the impact of the disease.
“Practicing appropriate physical activity is recommended. It helps prevent and reduce balance disorders, maintain social connections, reduce pain, stimulate the brain and create well-being.” further illustrates Professor Damier.
The watchword for young patients? Don’t stay alone. “In general, anything that helps to bring pleasure and break isolation is good to take.” concludes the neurologist.