Definitions and cut-offs for early- and late- onset Parkinson’s disease

Historically, the terms young-onset and early-onset Parkinson’s disease have been used for research of Parkinson’s disease that presents before the typical age (after the age of 50).¹ The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Task Force on Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease have recommended that the term ‘early-onset Parkinson’s disease’ be used, and that it refers to people with Parkinson’s disease symptom onset from 21 to under 50 years of age. Juvenile PD refers to the onset of PD prior to the age of 21 years.¹

Studies suggest that, in general, people with early-onset PD tend to experience slower progression of symptoms than patients with later onset¹