It's important that we notice the flag and begin thinking about all areas of mental and physical health while we're healthy. U. S. Attorney General Janet Reno also suffers from Parkinson's but the most memorable celebrity to expose his vulnerability about having the disease is Muhammed Ali. Concerning Parkinson's Disease, Michael's case is not unusual. While it is true that most Parkinson patients develop the disease in their late fifties or early sixties, we know that at least 8 percent develop the disease younger than 40 years of age. We know that Parkinson's Disease affects the young and old in different ways.
Young patients tend to have more tremor, but better balance and walking.
Young patients sometimes have more involuntary movements or dyskinesia in response to medications, but have fewer problems with thinking abilities. The disease progresses at a slower pace for the young patients, and they are better able to tolerate some of the side-effects of the medications. The psychological and social impact on a working person with family responsibiities is different from someone retired. Many young patients are very concerned about whether they will be able to keep their jobs and continue to support themselves and their families. And, while there are laws to protect working Parkinsonians from unfair termination, despite these laws, finding or maintaining a job can be extremely difficult for the young patient.