Held in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, with Edinburgh University’s Professor Tilo Kunath as chair, this edition of our Parkinson’s webinar series will focus on YOPD.
On average, people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed around age 60; about 5-10% of people with Parkinson’s, however, are diagnosed before the age of 50. Those who fall into this category are considered to have young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD). Although people living with YOPD share many of the motor and nonmotor symptoms consistent with Parkinson’s, they may experience differences in symptom progression and presentation, and are more likely to carry a genetic risk factor. Additionally, they face unique challenges due to the stage of life when they are diagnosed.
In this webinar, Professor Tilo Kunath from Edinburgh University will be joined by an expert panel to discuss what YOPD is and how it presents, as well as the potential genetic links. Furthermore, the panel will explore research opportunities for people with YOPD.
Meet our panellists
Dr Connie Marras is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Toronto and movement disorders neurologist at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. Dr Marras also currently serves as the chair for the Movement Disorders Society task force for Genetic Nomenclature and Parkinson’s subtypes, as well as sitting on the steering committee for the Early onset PD study group. Her research focus is on understanding Parkinson’s epidemiology and genetics, as well as improving prognosis and assessment tools for the condition.
Professor Vincenzo Bonifati is a Professor in Genetics of Movement Disorders at Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. His research focuses on understanding the underlying biology of Parkinson’s and identifying genetic variants that drive the onset and progression of the condition.
Dr Samantha Cole is the CEO of Spotlight YOPD – a UK charity for people with YOPD – and a clinical health psychologist. Diagnosed with YOPD in 2023, she is interested in wellbeing and promoting approaches that support health outcomes and improve quality of life for those with YOPD.
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