Posted by Amanda on December 28, 2001 at 09:58:14:
My friend who is 25 was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He has never used illegal drugs and has not been exposed to any toxin that we are aware of. He has some shaking and stiff muscles and so far these are his only symptoms. What I would like to know is, since this is so very rare in persons so young, what to expect. How long does it take for the disease to progress to a severe level? Will he have a decent quality of life at say 50? I know very little about this disease. Is it fatal? I have done research online, but there is virtually zero information on Parkinson's for a person less than 40 years of age. Your response is appreciated.