Objective: To provide insight into the population-specific vulnerabilities of United States military service members diagnosed with Early-onset Parkinson’s Disease

Background: Early-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD) accounts for 5-10% of all Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with data to support a rising incidence. While greater proportion of EOPD case are genetically driven, the etiology in over 80% of EOPD patients remains uncertain. Various environmental toxins have been linked to increased risk of PD. The Veteran’s administration has acknowledged exposure to Agent Orange as a contributor, though this has not been confirmed in controlled studies. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with military service have been linked to increased risk of PD. These exposures are more prevalent in military members compared to civilian counterpart. Demographic factors and exposures associated with active-duty military members diagnosed with EOPD remain undefined

Method: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of all patients cared for in the US Military Health System meeting the following criteria: (1) Diagnosis with EOPD between 2020-2025 and (2) current tor past active-duty military service. All medical records were reviewed by a neurologist to confirm diagnosis. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, military service history, and related risk factors were collected

Results: 30 subjects (27 males and 3 females) were included in the current analysis with active enrollment underway at time of submission. The mean age of symptom onset was 37.2 years with mean age at diagnosis being 40.4 years. 63.3% were enlisted military service members and 56.6% had overseas deployment prior to diagnosis. History of TBI and PTSD was present in 16.6% of patients. Environmental chemical exposures occurred to 46.6% of patients with organics solvents, burn pits exhaust, and heavy metals being the most common agents. 2 patients had positive family history of PD and out of the 11 patients that underwent genetic testing, 3 patients tested positive for a pathologic gene

Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that a portion of active-duty patients with EOPD have a history of exposures known to increase the risk of PD. Further investigation is necessary to determine to significance of these military specific exposures and whether these factors influence the incidence of EOPD in military service members

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/early-onset-parkinsons-disease-in-active-duty-service-members/