Parkinson's Disease: A Genetic Analysis

The cause of Parkinson disease, defined by Robert Hauser, who is an author of Medscape, is still unclear. Studies state that there is a combination of environmental and genetic factors for this particular disease. Approximately 10% of cases are currently genetic causes of Parkinson disease. Environmental risk factors such as use of pesticides, living in a rural environment, consumption of well water, exposure to herbicides, and proximity to industrial plants or quarries are commonly associated with the development of Parkinson disease (Hauser, 2016). In addition, according to Hauser, “genetic factors in Parkinson disease appear to be very important when the disease begins at or before age 50 years. In a study of 193 twins, overall concordance for MZ and DZ pairs was similar, but in 16 pairs of twins, in whom Parkinson disease was diagnosed at or before age 50 years, all 4 MZ pairs, but only 2 of 12 DZ pairs, was concordant.The identification of a few families with familial Parkinson disease sparked further interest in the genetics of the disease.

Parkinson 's disease is a progressive neurologic degenerative disease of the Central Nervous system. The brain produces Dopamine and Norepinephrine, which are chemicals needed for smooth muscle movement and coordination, heart rate, and blood pressure. Dopamine and Norepinephrine are released by basal ganglions that are produced in a bundle of nerve cells in the brainstem called substantia nigra. In Parkinson 's patients, the substantia nigra are destroyed and neither of the chemicals can be released into the body. (3) The decrease in Norepinephrine causes heart arrhythmia and low blood pressure, causing the person to get dizzy upon standing or tire easily. The lack of Dopamine, the smooth muscle movement and coordination controller is now gone, or significantly decreased, resulting in the first signs of Parkinson’s disease, pill-rolling, a one handed tremor and a decreased appetite. (2)

Many may not know Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world. This disease is most seen in the elderly starting at 62 years of age although, younger individuals can still have the disease it isn’t common. Parkinson’s make it difficult for its victims to carry out everyday activities that might have once been easy for them. As the disease progresses it makes it hard for the patient to do things like walk, stand, swallow and speak. A great deal of people don’t realize how helpful therapy can be when dealing with such disease!

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, primarily affecting voluntary, precise, and controlled movement. Parkinson’s occurs when cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die off. These cells are responsible for producing dopamine. With less and less dopamine, a person has less and less ability to regulate their movements, body and emotions. The terms "familial Parkinson's disease" and "sporadic Parkinson's disease" are used to differentiate genetic from truly idiopathic forms of the disease.

Simuni, T., & Hurting, H. (2008). Levodopa: a pharmacologic miracle four decades later. In Factor, S.A. & Weiner, W.J. (Eds.), Parkinson’s Disease: Diagnosis and Clinical Management. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing.

Parkinson can be managed with the use of drugs or deep brain stimulation. These drugs include Sinemet

It is unclear if Parkinson's is caused by genetics, environment, or a combination of both.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration and cell loss of the substantia nigra, which causes disturbances of voluntary motor control [5]. It impairs ones ability to produce movements and is commonly associated with difficulties of daily living. Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects approximately 1.5% to 2.0% of the population over the age of sixty years old [2] and “… it is estimated that 6 million individuals worldwide are currently living with PD,” [7] (pg323). Parkinson’s sufferers often experience physical distress and an altered quality of life.

The most common dopamine drug administered to patients is known as Levodopa- carbidopa. Levodopa-carbidopa is a chemical that passes through the brain and gets adapted into dopamine. When taken orally, it passes into the blood via the small intestine and then travels through to the brain to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted into dopamine to help replenish the low supply. Since it is difficult for drugs to pass the blood-brain barrier before breaking down, Levodopa is given with a drug named carbidopa. Carbidopa delays the conversion of levodopa into dopamine until it can enter the brain. The newly formed dopamine is then stored in the neurons of the brain until it is needed. Since dopamine loss is the main cause of Parkinson’s disease, low levels of this neurotransmitter overexcites the basal ganglia in the brain, which is involved in movement coordination. This in turn causes disturbances in voluntary movement. Increases in dopamine allowed by Levodopa-carbidopa allow the brain to restore some control over voluntary muscle movements, thus reducing the symptoms of tremors, stiffness, and poor muscle control. One drawback of Levodopa however is the possible development of involuntary movements such as twitching when the drug is taken over a long period of time. However, this drug has been highly effective in improving

Parkinson’s disease (PD), a degenerative nervous system disorder, is more common every day, yet it is still a mystery on what causes it. More than a million Americans have been diagnosed with PD and every year there are 60,000 new cases. Affecting older people, it is the second most common disorder and the condition is expected to increase as the aging population increases. PD essentially is the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. The increase in research has led to a wide range of possibilities to the causes involving both genetic and environmental factors. There are two different types of symptoms: motor and non-motor.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an incurable, progressive movement disorder affecting approximately one million Americans (www.pdf.org) and is the 14th leading cause of death in the US (www.cdc.gov). The pathogenesis of PD involves the degeneration of neurons, especially dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain [1], and the presence of Lewy bodies/neuritis in various brain regions [2]. Deficiency of the nigro-striatal pathways can cause dopamine depletion-specific symptoms such as motor dysfunctions and multiple non-motor clinical issues. The clinical diagnosis of PD is based on the four cardinal symptoms: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability [3], which are delayed and subtle. Since the

This is a article about how neuroscientist may have discovered a way to slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease affects over 1 million people in the United States. Parkinson disease is a progressive disease that affects the nervous system. With this condition, you experienced tremors,muscular rigidity and slow and precise movements. The effects of disease is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and the deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. According to the neurosciences Gary W.Miller PhD. An unequaitable double amount of dopamine stored can be extremely harmful to the neurons in

Several researches has been done so far but still It’s unclear exactly what causes Parkinson’s at any age. Either because of genetic factors, environmental factors, or combination of both factors involved. However, it has appeared across several generations of some families, so we can say that the disease is hereditary or genetic. But several research suggest that other external factors also responsible when combine with genetic factors. Slight shaking or tremor in your finger, thumb, hand, chin or lip is early sign for early

Parkinson’s disease is incurable. However, there are different medications than can be utilized to help control the symptoms. These medications will help assist in managing problems with walking, movement & tremor. These drugs substitute for dopamine in the brain. Parkinson’s disease is caused by lowered levels of dopamine, a chemical that is found in the brain. Medications such as Levodopa act as a substitution for dopamine in the brain to normalize levels. This helps manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, however does not change the course of the disease itself. (LeWitt, 2015) The drug exhibits side effects also, the more common side effects that will require medical attention comprise of increased anxiety

In a normal brain neurons in the substantia nigra produce a chemical called dopamine that acts to control motor functions. In a person with Parkinson’s disease, there is insufficient dopamine and motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, problems with balance and bradykinesia can occur. According to the National Parkinson Foundation, four to six million people worldwide are estimated to have Parkinson’s Disease. In the United States alone, the incidence is estimated at fifty to sixty thousand new cases diagnosed each year. Additionally, the Center for Disease Control puts complications from Parkinson’s disease as the 14th leading cause of death. While there is no cure, the symptoms can be controlled