Parkinson’s disease is a chronic disorder of the nervous system, which is made up of pathways of cells and neurons that send and receive signals throughout your body.
As of 2017, around 1 millionTrusted Source people lived with Parkinson’s in the United States. And, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, that number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030 — each year, approximately 60,000 new diagnoses occur in the United States.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of nerve cells in a part of your brain called the substantia nigra. These cells control the production of the chemical dopamine. Dopamine helps control movement in your body. But when the cells are impaired, less dopamine is produced.
This condition isn’t fatal, but it can cause severe symptoms that impact everyday movement and mobility.
Hallmark symptoms include tremors and trouble with gait and balance. These symptoms develop because the brain’s ability to communicate is impaired.
Researchers aren’t yet certain what causes Parkinson’s. Read on to learn more about several factors that may contribute to the condition.
The genetics of Parkinson’s Disease
A 2020 study including 1,676 people with Parkinson’s in mainland China suggested that genes play a role in the development of the condition. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of people with Parkinson’s have a family history of the condition.
In fact, a number of specific genes have been linked to the development of Parkinson’s.
How do genetics factor into Parkinson’s in some families? According to Genetics Home Reference, one possible way is through the mutation of genes responsible for producing dopamine and certain proteins essential for brain function.
Some newer researchTrusted Source from 2021 indicates that treatments could potentially be tailored to a person’s specific genetic background. However, more research has to first be done on genetic forms of the condition.
Environmental Causes Of Parkinson’s Disease
There’s some evidence that your environment can play a role in Parkinson’s disease. Exposure to certain chemicals has been suggested as a possible link to the condition. These include:
- pesticides such as insecticides
- herbicides
- fungicides
It’s also possible that Agent Orange exposure may be linked to Parkinson’s, according to VA Health Care.
Parkinson’s has also been potentially linked to drinking well water in some older studies, such as one from 2009Trusted Source. However, a nationwide study from 2020Trusted Source suggested that may not be the case. More research needs to be done to determine if well water is associated with increased risk.
Some research, such as a 2020 study performed in Morocco, also links consuming excessive manganese, a necessary trace mineral, to an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Courtesy: www.healthline.com
Regards: ZedCare Ability Services
