Living with Parkinson disease, late-onset
An inherited form of Parkinson disease that starts after age 50, with tremor at rest, slow movement, and stiffness.
Understanding Parkinson disease, late-onset
People have tremor at rest, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), stiffness, trouble walking, falls, and painful cramps. GARD says people usually have a low risk of movement problems such as dystonia and medicine-related dyskinesia, and of non-movement symptoms.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Tremor at rest
- Slowness or loss of movement (akinesia)
- Frequent falls
- Reduced sense of smell
- Long-lasting constipation
- Trouble swallowing
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Dysautonomia International and Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Dysautonomia International, Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Dysautonomia International and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in the genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of the gene is enough to cause it. GARD doesn't list a specific gene.
Also known as: autosomal dominant late-onset parkinson disease; hereditary late onset parkinson disease; hereditary late-onset parkinson disease; late onset parkinson disease; late onset parkinson's disease; late-onset parkinson disease
Patient organizations
- Dysautonomia InternationalParkinson disease, late-onset · United States
- Parkinson & Movement Disorder AllianceParkinsonism · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Parkinson disease, late-onset.
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