Overview
Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease is a genetic form of Parkinson disease that typically begins after the age of 50. Like other forms of Parkinson disease, it affects the brain's ability to produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps control movement. Over time, the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells leads to the hallmark symptoms of the condition: tremor (shaking), stiffness in the muscles, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Unlike sporadic Parkinson disease, which occurs without a clear inherited cause, hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease runs in families and is linked to specific gene mutations. The most commonly associated gene is LRRK2 (also called PARK8), though mutations in other genes such as GBA, SNCA, and VPS35 can also be involved. Having a family history of Parkinson disease, especially in a parent or sibling, is a key clue that the condition may be hereditary. Treatment is similar to that for non-hereditary Parkinson disease and focuses on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease. Medications like levodopa/carbidopa remain the gold standard for improving movement symptoms. Other treatments include dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and in some cases, deep brain stimulation surgery. Research into gene-targeted therapies is actively underway and may offer new options in the future. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy also play important roles in maintaining quality of life.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Tremor or shaking, often starting in one handMuscle stiffness or rigiditySlowness of movement (bradykinesia)Difficulty with balance and walkingShuffling gait or small stepsReduced facial expression (masked face)Soft or slurred speechDifficulty with handwriting (micrographia)Sleep problems including acting out dreamsLoss of sense of smellConstipationDepression or anxietyMemory and thinking difficulties in later stagesFatigue and low energyDifficulty swallowing
Clinical phenotype terms (34)— hover any for plain English
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Late onset
Begins later in life, typically after age 50
Treatments
1 availableOnapgo
treatment of motor fluctuations in adults with advanced Parkinson�s disease
Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease.
Community
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Start the conversation →Latest news about Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease
5 articlesCaregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which gene mutation is causing my Parkinson disease, and what does that mean for my specific outlook?,Should my family members be tested for the same genetic mutation?,What medications do you recommend starting with, and what side effects should I watch for?,Are there any clinical trials for gene-targeted therapies that I might be eligible for?,How often should I have follow-up appointments, and what changes should prompt me to call sooner?,What types of exercise and physical therapy are most helpful at my stage?,At what point should we consider deep brain stimulation surgery?
Common questions about Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease
What is Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease?
Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease is a genetic form of Parkinson disease that typically begins after the age of 50. Like other forms of Parkinson disease, it affects the brain's ability to produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps control movement. Over time, the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells leads to the hallmark symptoms of the condition: tremor (shaking), stiffness in the muscles, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Unlike sporadic Parkinson disease, which occurs without a clear inherited cause, hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease
At what age does Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease typically begin?
Typical onset of Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease is late onset. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease?
1 specialists and care centers treating Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.
What treatment and support options exist for Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease?
1 patient support program are currently tracked on UniteRare for Hereditary late-onset Parkinson disease. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.