In Parkinson's disease (PD), certain nerve cells (neurons)
in the brain gradually break down or die. Many of the symptoms are due to a
loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger in your brain called
dopamine. When dopamine levels decrease, it causes abnormal brain activity, leading
to symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but several factors appear
to play a role, including:
·Your genes- Researchers have identified specific
genetic mutations that can cause Parkinson's disease. But these are uncommon
except in rare cases with many family members affected by Parkinson's disease.
However, certain gene variations appear to increase the risk of Parkinson's
disease but with a relatively small risk of Parkinson's disease for each of
these genetic markers.
·Environmental triggers- Exposure
to certain toxins or environmental factors may increase the risk of later
Parkinson's disease, but the risk is relatively small.
·Lewy bodies- A person with PD may have
clumps of protein in their brain known as Lewy bodies. Lewy body dementia is a
different condition, but it has links with PD.
·Autoimmune factors- Scientists
reported in JAMA in 2017 that they had found evidence of a
possible genetic link between PD and autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid
arthritis.
Reference: Keren Gilbert
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