When do you investigate for genetic causes in a young patient presenting with new-onset Parkinsonism?

I rarely order genetic testing for Parkinsonism, as I do not feel that it alters management. However, should a patient still be of child-bearing potential, a genetics consult can be helpful, and testing could be done as part of family planning.

There is active research examining the utility of genetic testing (eg. for LRRK2 or GBA), possibly leading to gene-based therapy. At this stage, patients should be made aware that there is no definite pathogenic link between these genes and either the dev...