Many young people have a fear that they will not be able to keep their jobs and support their families. Many are forced to retire early because of this disease. Another concern of the young patient is the cost of medical treatment. Most young patients are many years away from medicare and must rely on health insurance provided by their employers. This increases the concern about maintaining a job.
Some young patients find themselves unable to advance in their careers.
Younger patients and their families find that the misconceptions and prejudices about Parkinson's disease have a greater impact on them than it would have on the older patient. The younger patient often bears a greater burden in trying to hide their illness from neighbours, employers and coworkers. This can result in a state of denial where patients ignore the effect their illness has on them. It may keep younger patients from seeking the kind of help that could make a significant difference in their lives. Often younger patients deny the existence of the disease even when the symptoms are quite obvious to everyone around them.