Causes of Parkinson's disease
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complicated neurodegenerative disease that progresses over time and is marked by bradykinesia, tremor, and stiffness. As the condition worsens, some patients may also experience postural instability.[1] Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily caused by the gradual degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the region known as the substantia nigra along with other monoaminergic cell groups throughout the brainstem,[2] increased activation of microglia, and the build-up of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, which are proteins found in surviving dopaminergic neurons.[3]
This article may be too technical for most readers to understand. (January 2014) |
Because the etiology of about 80% of PD cases is unknown, they are classified as idiopathic, whereas the other 20% are thought to be genetic. PD risk is increased by variations in the genetic mix of specific genes.[4] Research has indicated that the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) is increased by mutations in the genes encoding leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), Parkinson's disease-associated deglycase (PARK7), PRKN, PINK1, or SNCA (alpha-synuclein).[5][6]
Exposure to pesticides, metals, solvents, and other toxicants has been studied as a factor in the development of Parkinson's disease.[7]