Causes of Parkinson’s Disease

laptop brain scan

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. The exact cause is still not fully understood, but research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role in its development. Research has identified several possible contributing factors:

1. Genetic Factors

  • Inherited mutations: Certain genetic mutations are linked to Parkinson’s, such as those in the LRRK2PARK7PINK1PRKN, and SNCA genes.
  • Family history: Having a close relative with Parkinson’s slightly increases your risk.

2. Environmental Triggers

  • Toxin exposure: Long-term exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals may increase risk.
  • Head trauma: Repeated head injuries have been associated with a higher likelihood of developing Parkinson’s.

3. Age

  • Parkinson’s typically develops in people over the age of 60. The risk increases with age.

4. Sex

  • Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women, though the reasons are not fully clear.

5. Loss of Dopamine-Producing Neurons

  • The hallmark of Parkinson’s is the degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra, a part of the brain that produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for coordinating movement.

6. Presence of Lewy Bodies

  • Abnormal clumps of protein called Lewy bodies, primarily made of alpha-synuclein, are found in the brains of people with Parkinson’s. Their role in the disease is still being studied.

7. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress

  • Damage to the mitochondria (the cell’s energy producers) and oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) may contribute to neuron death.
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