MyParkinsonsTeam

Could you have been born with Parkinson's, given your early nonmotor symptoms?

It's understandable to wonder about this, especially when symptoms seem to have been present for as long as you can remember. While Parkinson's itself isn't typically present from birth, research shows that nonmotor symptoms can appear years or Show Full Answer

Could you have been born with Parkinson's, given your early nonmotor symptoms?

It's understandable to wonder about this, especially when symptoms seem to have been present for as long as you can remember. While Parkinson's itself isn't typically present from birth, research shows that nonmotor symptoms can appear years or even decades before motor symptoms develop.

Early nonmotor symptoms that can precede a Parkinson's diagnosis include:
- Loss of smell
- Sleep problems (especially REM sleep behavior disorder)
- Depression
- Constipation

Some MyParkinsonsTeam members have traced their symptoms back many years before diagnosis. One member shared, "I can trace symptoms back to 2005," while another noted losing their sense of smell six years before being diagnosed.

In rare cases, juvenile-onset Parkinson's can develop before age 20 and tends to run in families. However, this is extremely rare.

About 10-15% of Parkinson's cases are considered familial, meaning they're directly caused by genetic variants inherited from parents. Certain genes may make some people more susceptible to developing Parkinson's when combined with environmental factors.

It's worth discussing your long-standing symptoms and family medical history with your doctor, as this information can provide valuable context for your care.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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