Diagnosis before age 50, tailored approaches, and technological innovation.
Italy leads the research on young-onset Parkinson's disease.
When the body speaks in a whisper: listening to it is the first step to taking care of yourself
Parkinson's disease affects millions of people worldwide, and contrary to popular belief, it does not only affect the elderly.
An increasing number of patients, about 10% receive their diagnosis before the age of 50, between the ages of 21 and 45, which is why we talk about Juvenile Parkinson's disease. In these cases, the earliest initial symptoms sneak up: increased slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, loss of sense of smell. But also fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood changes that are often ignored or mistaken for stress.
Here's why to recognize them in time and adopt personalized therapeutic strategies is increasingly crucial, including improving the quality of life from the earliest stages of the disease.
Today Italian research itself is making important strides in precisely this direction.
A genetic study to learn more about juvenile Parkinson's disease
At the’IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital of Milan, Italy, a scientific study dedicated to understanding juvenile Parkinson's has been launched, with the goal of identifying genetic and molecular correlations that may explain the early onset of the disease.
The project, led by the Prof. Gianni Pezzoli, a leading neurologist in the field of Parkinson's disease and president of the Pezzoli Foundation for Parkinson's Disease, collaborates with the team of the Division of Neurology of the Neuroscience Research Unit.. The intent is to collect clinical and genetic data from patients diagnosed under 50 years of age to define specific biological profiles that can guide toward more effective and personalized treatments.
Researchers have identified some molecular markers that could explain the early onset of Parkinson's and, eventually, pave the way for targeted treatments. It is an important step toward increasingly personalized medicine.
As Dr. Arianna Bellucci, head of the Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology Unit, “the study will enable the development of therapeutic strategies targeted to the biological characteristics of each patient.”.
Immersive technologies and integrated treatments: StepUP is born
Meanwhile, research in Bologna is also moving forward in an innovative spirit. The European project StepUp, coordinated by the’Bologna USL Company and from the Department of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, developed with international partners, combines rehabilitative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to address movement disorders in Parkinson's disease.
The project has the ambitious goal of integrating functional motor treatments with the use of the augmented reality, thus offering an engaging, effective therapeutic experience tailored to individual needs.
As neurologist Maria Carla Modugno explains, the heart of the project is a functional and motivational approach, capable of making physical activity an integral part of therapy.
For younger patients living with Parkinson's in the midst of work or family life, tools like this can make a difference: they train the body by intervening in a multidimensional way from walking to balance to emotional and motivational support during the rehabilitation journey.
The study is co-funded by the European Commission and involves partners of excellence in neurology, technology, and rehabilitation to test new non-pharmacological treatment modalities.
When collaboration makes a difference
The two studies recount an Italy of research that focuses on the multidisciplinary collaboration. Geneticists, neurologists, biomedical engineers, therapists, and psychologists work together for a 360-degree view.
This integrated approach is particularly valuable precisely in cases of Juvenile Parkinson's disease, in which the disease manifests itself at a stage of life full of plans and responsibilities.
It is not just about finding cures, but about building sustainable life paths that can restore long-term perspective and hope.
AMPS gondola: the step toward a more stable life
Precisely because movement is one of the most affected aspects of Parkinson's disease-both in old age and in younger patients-there arose AMPS Gondola, a technology also developed thanks to the contribution of Italian professionals.
It is a targeted, painless, noninvasive sensory stimulation designed to improve walking in patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease as well as peripheral neuropathy and stroke. In just a few minutes and at home, Gondola works directly on the feet, stimulating receptors involved in the perception of movement and posture. This helps reactivate motor circuits, improving balance and fluidity in movement.
For those living with Parkinson's, even juvenile Parkinson's, regaining the freedom to walk means getting back to participating, getting outside, feeling part of the world. And technology, when it puts the person at the center, can truly become an ally of freedom.
Sources:
Parkinson's disease with juvenile onset.
https://www.orpha.net/it/disease/detail/2828
Parkinson's disease: researchers from Vita-Salute San Raffaele Hospital and University recreate a new experimental model of juvenile disease. October, 2024
https://www.hsr.it/news/2024/ottobre/nuovo-modello-sperimentale-malattia-parkinson
Pezzoli Foundation for Parkinson's Disease.
https://www.parkinson.it/fondazione-pezzoli.html
“Steps to reduce the burden of Parkinson's Disease”: international research project integrating functional treatments and use of augmented reality kicks off. March, 2025
https://www.ausl.bologna.it/news/archivio-2025-1/malattia-parkinson-progetto-ricerca-internazionale-realta-aumentata-stepup-2025
My name is Giorgia, I am 25 years old, and this is my story. Young Parkinson's, 2022.
https://www.parkinsongiovani.com/condividere/mi-chiamo-giorgia-ho-25-anni-e-questa-e-la-mia-storia
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