Most Parkinson’s disease research studies its symptoms and impact. These include shaking and slow movement. However, the true cause of the disease is unknown. It is known that most conditions do not have a singular cause. Experts commonly see a mix of genetic and environmental causes.

At Royal Care Neurosciences, we strive to demystify the disease itself and the possible range of environmental and genetic causes of disease. Understanding potential risk factors can help identify early signs of the disease and obtain early intervention.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting brain regions that control voluntary movement. The disease happens when neurons in the brain that release the neurotransmitter dopamine, and facilitate smooth and controlled movement, begin to die.

As the brain’s dopamine levels decrease, people experience increased difficulty with movement, balance, and coordination. Symptoms of the disease worsen over time.

Is Parkinson’s Disease Genetic?

Genetics can be a factor in Parkinson’s disease, although it is very unlikely to be a primary cause in the majority of cases. The majority of people with Parkinson’s do not have a notable family history of the disease.

Researchers have been able to associate some genes with Parkinson’s disease, including LRRK2, PARK7, PINK1, and SNCA. Changes in these genes are thought to contribute to a person’s chance of developing the disease. However, one of these changes is not a predictor of Parkinson’s disease.

Simply put, there are some genetic vulnerabilities a person might have that increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, but these vulnerabilities often need to be coupled with other factors to cause the disease.

Environmental Factors: What Role Do They Play?

In people who do not have a strong genetic link to the disease, the importance of environmental factors is believed to be substantial. A few of the environmental factors that have been discussed the most include:

1. Contact with toxins

A greater risk of Parkinson’s disease is associated with long-term exposure to herbicides, pesticides, and certain industrial chemicals. It is especially the case with people who have jobs in agriculture and industry.

2. Head Injuries

Head injuries are both traumatic and cumulative. Relevant studies have shown that traumatic brain injuries have a correlation to the development of Parkinson’s at a more advanced age.

3. Rural Living and Well Water

Research provides evidence which suggests rural living and the consumption of untreated well water have higher exposures to environmental toxins that may contribute to the risk.

4. Air Pollution

While the link is still being studied, there is suggestive evidence to support the claim that air pollution is a contributing factor to the disease.

While the above factors have no direct link to the disease, combined with genetic disposition, these factors may simply increase the risk.

When Genetics and Environment Work Together

When these factors are put together, on the Environment and Genetics of Parkinson’s disease, the consensus among Parkinson’s disease experts is that it is a combination of genetic predisposition and exposure to the environment that causes the disease.

Think of it as a process with two parts: the genetic factors may ‘set the stage’, and the environmental factors may be the ones that ‘ignite’ the disease.

Consider a person with a genetic mutation, which means they have a genetic risk. That person may never end up having Parkinson’s disease if they don’t encounter environmental risk factors.

On the reverse end of the spectrum, a person may have long-term exposure to harmful substances and develop Parkinson’s disease, even if they do not have a genetic risk.

The combination of these factors further illustrates why every case of Parkinson’s disease looks different.

Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

The cause might be different, but the signs of Parkinson’s tend to be the same. The signs tend to come on gradually, but, unfortunately, they tend to worsen with time.

Motor Signs

• Tremors that start with one hand
• Slowed movements (bradykinesia)
• Muscle stiffness
• Balance and postural issues
• Fewer facial expressions

Non-Motor Signs

• Affected sense of smell
• Trouble or changes with sleep
• Constipation
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Speak quite or too low

Since the signs and symptoms of the disease can show up differently for different patients, it can delay the disease’s diagnosis.

How is the Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease Done?

Unfortunately, there is currently no way to clinically test for Parkinson’s, especially within the early stages. Because of this, the diagnosis of the disease is often made through the analysis of clinical evaluations.

1. Medical history and symptoms

The doctor will ask questions about the symptoms, the history, the start time and the rate of progression.

2. Neurological Evaluation

Detailed evaluations are completed to understand the movements, coordination, muscle tones and the reflexes.

3. Medication Response

It is possible that the doctor might give medications that are used for Parkinson’s disease to the patients, and this will reinforce the diagnosis.

While Parkinson’s disease cannot be diagnosed with imaging tests such as MRI, they are useful for ruling out other neurodegenerative diseases. Precise and clear symptoms which lead to an accurate diagnosis will inform the best course of treatment.

How the Cause Impacts Parkinson’s Disease

While it’s true that we cannot prevent Parkinson’s Disease outright, identifying the cause of the disease can help in several ways. It can assist in the formation of new treatment regimens, help healthcare professionals determine which individuals are more susceptible to developing the disease, and help in the formation of guidelines that restrict contact with an outside, more hazardous environment.

Having knowledge about this can help individuals to be vigilant and observant of these symptoms to help seek medical help early.

Investing in Awareness

There are a plethora of reasons that come into play as the cause of Parkinson’s Disease, and identifying if the cause is genetic or if it is a result of some external environment is crucial, and so is awareness and early intervention.

If an individual experiences any of the symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, or any form of the disease that is characterized as movement, they should consult a neurologist, as it can significantly improve their condition.

Patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are offered individualized treatment and support to help them lead a satisfying and fulfilling life. Early diagnosis, continual support and individualized approach are the main cornerstones of our care at Royal Care Neurosciences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Parkinson’s disease passed down through families?
Most of the time, Parkinson’s disease is not passed down via families. Certain genetic factors can, however, increase someone’s risk. This is especially true in combination with some environmental factors.

2. Can environmental factors cause Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is the result of a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors. Environmental factors may increase the risk, but tend not to work alone.

3. Can making changes to your lifestyle help reduce the chance of getting Parkinson’s disease?
While the chance of developing Parkinson’s disease can never be completely eliminated, avoiding toxins, living a healthy lifestyle, and protecting oneself from head injuries can help.