April 11 is World Parkinson’s Day

Local neurologist says disease can affect patients 21 to 40

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the most common movement disorder. Most individuals are diagnosed in their 60s, but early-onset Parkinson’s disease can also occur in younger patients and juvenile-onset Parkinson’s disease can occur before age 21. Parkinson’s affects about 1 million people in the United States and 10 million worldwide. Complications from the disease make Parkinson’s the 14th cause of death in the U.S.

Komal Rastogi, M.D., is a highly trained neurologist who practices at Baptist Health System. He has treated patients as young as 30 for Parkinson’s disease. He says with early detection and proper treatment, patients diagnosed can extend and maintain a good quality of life.