Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease: John’s Story

In this video from infona001 shared in October 2012, we meet John. John was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 23 and is one of the youngest people in Britain with the condition. Early-onset Parkinson’s disease is extremely rare, and as John pointed out in the film, he had a higher chance of winning the lottery than getting Parkinson’s in his early 20s.

Read about an innovative boxing therapy class for people with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. 

Now 25 years old, John talks about his life with Parkinson’s disease, discussing the frustrations he faces on a daily basis of being what he calls “a young person trapped in an old person’s disease.” John tries to remain positive about his life and put on a brave face but he readily admits that sometimes he finds it very difficult, particularly when other people don’t believe he has the disease and accuse him of being an alcoholic instead.

Michael J. Fox Foundation grant aims to treat dementia in Parkinson’s patients. Find out more here. 

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