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Atypical juvenile parkinsonism (AJP) is a complex form of young-onset Parkinson disease (YOPD) that manifests with pyramidal signs, eye movement abnormalities, psychiatric manifestations (depression, anxiety, drug-induced psychosis, and impulse control disorders), intellectual disability, and other neurological symptoms (such as ataxia and epilepsy) along with classical parkinsonian symptoms.
No HPO annotations are available for this condition.
DNAJC6 Parkinson disease is a complex early-onset neurologic disorder characterized by typical parkinsonian symptoms including bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. To date, 20 individuals with biallelic DNAJC6 pathogenic variants have been identified, 19 of whom have prominent motor features [, , , , , , ]. One additional individual with early-onset parkinsonism and other findings consistent with DNAJC6 Parkinson disease was compound heterozygous, with one DNAJC6 variant predicted to be pathogenic and one DNAJC6 variant that may potentially be associated with disease manifestations; further study is needed to determine if this variant is benign or pathogenic . The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on reports of the 20 individuals with biallelic DNAJC6 pathogenic variants. Table 2. DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease: Frequency of Select Features
DNAJC6 Parkinson disease should be considered in individuals with the following findings.
Juvenile-onset presentation (onset age 21 years)
Source: GeneReviews — "DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease"
No approved treatments are currently available for atypical juvenile parkinsonism. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with DNAJC6 Parkinson disease, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 5. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease
Table 7. Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease
System/Concern |
|---|
No clinical trials have been registered for atypical juvenile parkinsonism.
1 publication has been identified in PubMed for atypical juvenile parkinsonism. Research spans Epidemiology / Natural History (100%).
Farsana MK (2026). [PMID: 40829774](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40829774/). *J Mov Disord*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Data assembled from 4 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 10:13 PM UTC
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Feature | Proportion of Persons w/Feature | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Juvenile onset (age 21 yrs) | Early onset (age 21-50 yrs) Parkinsonism (bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, postural instability) | 14/14 |
Developmental delay | 10/14 | – |
Intellectual disability | 12/14 | 1/6 |
Dystonia | 9/14 | – |
Spasticity | 6/14 | – |
Myoclonus | 2/14 | – |
Seizures | 7/14 | – |
Anxiety | 3/14 | – |
Behavior disorders | 3/14 | — |
Psychosis | 2/14 | 1/6 |
Gastrointestinal /or bulbar dysfunction | 5/14 | – |
Source: GeneReviews — "DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease"
Early-Onset Parkinson Disease DNAJC6 Parkinson disease is often clinically indistinguishable from early-onset Parkinson disease and parkinsonism of other etiologies (see Parkinson Disease Overview and ). Rigidity, bradykinesia, and resting tremor are variably combined in these disorders. Table 3. Genes Associated with Early-Onset Autosomal Recessive Parkinson Disease and Parkinsonism in the Differential Diagnosis of DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease
Gene | PDDesignation1 | Median Ageat Onset(Range)2 | Number ofPersons2,3 | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ATP13A2 | PARK-ATP13A2 (Kufor-Rakeb syndrome) (OMIM 606693) | 14 (0-30) yrs | 36 | Pyramidal signs, eye movement abnormalities, T2-weighted basal ganglia hypointensity, cerebral cerebellar atrophy, brain stem atrophy |
DJ-1 | PARK-DJ-1 (OMIM 606324) | 27 (15-40) yrs | 33 | Phenotype similar to PARK-Parkin; ID, DD /or seizures occasionally; risk to heterozygotes unknown |
FBXO7 | PARK-FBXO7 (OMIM 260300) | 17 (10-52) yrs | 27 | ID/DD/early cognitive impairment, early vivid hallucinations behavioral abnormalities w/intake of dopamine agonists, early falls, saccadic abnormalities, gaze palsy, oculogyric spasms, pyramidal signs, autonomic dysfunction |
GBA1 (GBA) | PARK-GBA | May be 50 yrs; median onset: ~60 yrs4 | 100 | Severe motor impairment rapid progression (akinetic-rigid onset), early onset of cognitive decline, neuropsychiatric autonomic vulnerability PINK1 |
PARK-PINK1 | 32 (9-67) yrs | 151 | 2nd most common cause of EOPD; heterozygotes may have PD risk5. PRKN | — |
PARK-Parkin | 31 (3-81) yrs | 1000 | Most common cause of EOPD; dystonia, hyperreflexia5 | — |
SYNJ1 | PARK-SYNJ1 (OMIM 615530) | 21 (12-31) yrs | 15 | Early cognitive impairment, early falls, saccadic abnormalities, gaze palsy, pyramidal signs, ataxia, autonomic dysfunction |
VPS13C | PARK-VPS13C (OMIM 616840) | 29 (0-70) yrs | 4 | Early cognitive impairment, early falls, pyramidal signs, autonomic dysfunction |
SPG11 | Spastic paraplegia 11 (SPG11) | Typically in infancy or adolescence6; median onset of parkinsonism: ~15 yrs | 5 (atypical parkinsonism) | Progressive spastic paraparesis, cognitive impairment, axonal neuropathy, MRI abnormalities (thin corpus callosum, T2 periventricular white matter hyperintensities) ZFYVE26 |
Spastic paraplegia 15 | Childhood or early adulthood; median onset of parkinsonism: ~15 (14-30) yrs | 6 (atypical parkinsonism) | Progressive spastic paraparesis, levodopa responsive, MRI abnormalities (thin corpus callosum) DD = developmental delay; EOPD = early-onset Parkinson disease; ID = intellectual disability; PD = Parkinson disease 1. Nomenclature based on 2. Data from MDSGene.org (accessed 10-10-2023) 3. | — |
Source: GeneReviews — "DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease"
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|
Neurologic | Detailed neurologic exam focusing on presence extent of movement disorder | Unified Parkinson Disease [Fahn Elton 1987] or Movement Disorder Society rating scale may be helpful. Detailed neurologic exam for movement abnormalities |
Neuropsychiatric | Formal neuropsychiatric assessment w/neuropsychiatrist | Nutrition/ Gastrointestinal |
Musculoskeletal | Detailed orthopedic exam | For secondary complications (e.g., fixed contractures, hip spine abnormalities) |
Vision | Ophthalmology eval for eye movement abnormalities vision assessment | Genetic |
counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To obtain a pedigree inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of DNAJC6 Parkinson disease to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other Parkinsonism |
Myoclonus | Oral medications: sodium valproate, clonazepam, levetiracetam, piracetam | DD/ID |
Seizures | Anti-seizure medication depending on type frequency of seizures | Psychiatric |
disorders | Treatment per neuropsychiatrist to determine need for antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, /or anxiolytics | — |
Sleep disorder | Sleep aids (e.g., sleep system, conservative measures, melatonin, sedative medications) depending on underlying sleep disorder | GI manifestations |
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency Movement |
disorder | PT, OT, speech language therapy evals | Every 6 mos or more frequently as needed |
Seizures | Assess for new manifestations (e.g., seizures, changes in tone, movement disorders). | At each visit EEG |
Source: GeneReviews — "DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease"
Though there are no data available to date, dopamine antagonists and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors should be avoided as they could aggravate dopamine deficiency. VMAT2 inhibitors prevent reuptake and storage of neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles and thus could theoretically cause further depletion of presynaptic dopamine.
Source: GeneReviews — "DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease"
View trials for atypical juvenile parkinsonism
Evaluation
Frequency |
|---|
disorder | PT, OT, speech language therapy evals | Every 6 mos or more frequently as needed |
Seizures | Assess for new manifestations (e.g., seizures, changes in tone, movement disorders). | At each visit EEG |
disorders | Psychiatric assessment | At 1st manifestation of symptoms, then as frequently as needed Sleep disorder |
Nutrition | Growth assessment | At each visit in children Assessment of nutritional status to evaluate dietary requirements |
Dysphagia | Swallowing assessment to evaluate risk of aspiration | At 1st manifestation of symptoms, then as frequently as needed Gastrointestinal manifestations |
manifestations | Hip spine radiographs | Every 6-12 mos in persons:; Who are nonambulatory at age 2 yrs; W/signs/symptoms concerning for spinal deformity |
Vision deficits | Ophthalmology eval | At 1st manifestation of symptoms, then as frequently as needed OT = occupational therapy; PT = physical therapy |
Source: GeneReviews — "DNAJC6 Parkinson Disease"
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
AI-curated news mentioning atypical juvenile parkinsonism
Updated May 21, 2026
A study highlights the use of pallidal deep brain stimulation to manage tremors in a child with juvenile DNAJC6-associated parkinsonism. This research contributes to understanding treatment options for this rare condition.
A recent case report highlights levodopa intolerance as a potential clinical red flag for neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) in atypical parkinsonism. This finding may aid in the differentiation of NIID from other parkinsonian disorders.