Hiding in plain sight—that’s one of the frustrating realities of early onset Parkinson’s. You know something isn’t right. Maybe it’s a stiff neck that never seems to go away, or a tremor that sneaks in when you’re tired or stressed. You mention it to your doctor, and they do what they’re trained to do: pull from the standard playbook.
Stiff neck? Off to physical therapy. Again.
Tremor? “You seem stressed—maybe try yoga, deep breathing, or clonazepam?”
The problem is this: no one is looking for Parkinson’s in someone in their 30s, 40s, or even early 50s. The medical textbooks say it’s a disease of older men. The images from med school? Gray-haired men shuffling along with canes. So you collect symptoms like Pokémon, but “Parkinson’s” isn’t on anyone’s radar.
Eventually, you might land a referral to a neurologist. Finally, you think, someone who can figure this out.
If only.
Neurologists are specialists, yes—but early onset Parkinson’s often flies under the radar. And if you’re a woman? The odds of a quick, accurate diagnosis get even slimmer.
Enter the Hormonal Hamster Wheel. Fatigue, brain fog, stiffness, mood changes, sleep problems—all neatly blamed on perimenopause or menopause. Because surely it must be hormones, not a neurological disorder. Parkinson’s? Nah. Must be estrogen’s fault.
This detour is especially common for women in their 40s and 50s. You can end up in an endless cycle of hormone panels, supplements, and dismissive reassurances like, “This is normal for your age.” Spoiler: it’s not always normal. Sometimes it’s Parkinson’s.
If you’re persistent—or lucky—you might reach a movement disorder specialist, a neurologist with advanced training in Parkinson’s. Progress, right? Except even then you might hear:
- “Looks more like essential tremor.”
- “This is just stress.”
- Or the dreaded: “Let’s try physical therapy.” Again.
Not everyone goes through this circus. Some people get diagnosed quickly (we call them unicorns—we love them and envy them). But many wait years. Six years. Eleven years. That’s a decade of unexplained symptoms, self-doubt, and doctors suggesting it’s all in your head.
And here’s the kicker: Early onset Parkinson’s is on the rise. From 1976 to 2015, cases increased steadily—and the trend isn’t slowing. Yet because Parkinson’s is a clinical diagnosis (no blood test, just observation), physicians hesitate. Understandable? Sure. Helpful to patients? Not really.
All that “watchful waiting” may ease a doctor’s conscience. But for patients, it’s limbo—years when early treatment, especially exercise, could actually make a difference.
So, what now? If you’ve finally heard the words, “You have Parkinson’s,” here are a few things that do help:
1. Exercise
Exercise is neuroprotective—it can literally help slow progression. It doesn’t matter what you do: ride a bike, walk, dance, swim. If you’re new, start small and build up. A trainer with neuro experience can be a game-changer.
2. Nutrition
You don’t have to go full kale-and-quinoa overnight. But better nutrition supports energy, mood, and medication absorption. The Mediterranean or MIND diets are solid starting points. And yes, plenty of us still eat ice cream, Starburst, and Nerd Clusters. It’s about balance, not perfection.
3. Find Your People
In the beginning, talking about Parkinson’s is hard. That’s normal. But the Parkinson’s community? It’s one of the most supportive, funny, and empathetic groups you’ll ever meet. From advocates to peer mentors to support groups for patients and care partners—your people are out there.
4. Live
Life isn’t over. It’s different. But it’s also full of possibility. There is joy to be found here—real, everyday joy. Don’t lose yourself in the “what ifs.” Focus on what is.
Today Is Mine, Enjoy — TIME.
PD Unfiltered 
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