How early can Parkinson’s disease be diagnosed?

To confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a patient must have bradykinesia (slowed movement) and at least one other motor symptom, such as tremor, rigidity, or problems with balance. The diagnosis can be made once these symptoms are established and other potential causes have been ruled out. Most people with Parkinson’s notice their first symptoms when they are 60 or older, but in about 10-20% of cases, Parkinson’s can be diagnosed before a person turns 50, where it’s called early-onset Parkinson’s.