The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation notes that even after decades of intense study, the causes of Parkinson’s disease are not really understood. However, many experts believe that the disease is caused by several genetic and environmental factors, which can vary in each person.
In some patients, genetic factors could be the primary cause; but in others, there could be something in the environment that led to the disease. Scientists have noted that aging is a key risk factor. There is a 2-4% risk for developing the disease for people over 60. That is compared to 1-2% risk in the general population.
The genetic trigger that begins the cell death process in dopamine neurons that causes the disease is studied a great deal by scientists. Some experts believe that when we better understand the sequence of events that causes a loss of dopamine cells, scientists will then be able to come up with treatments to stop or even reverse Parkinson’s.
Genetic Factors in Parkinson’s
Most Parkinson’s cases are not believed to be inherited directly. About 15-25% of people who have the disease report that they have a relative with the disease as well. In many clinical studies, researchers determined that people who have a first degree relative with the disease (parent or sibling), they have a 4-9% higher chance of getting PD.
Researchers have found several genetic mutations that can cause PD directly, but those usually affect a small number of people. Some of these types of mutations may involve genes that play a direct role in the function of dopamine cells.
Environmental Factors
Some scientists believe that PD can result from overexposure to environmental toxins, or injury. Research by epidemiologists has identified several factors that may be linked to PD. Some of these include living in rural areas, drinking well water, pesticides and manganese.
Some studies have indicated that long term exposure to some chemicals could cause a higher risk of PD. These include the insecticides permethrin and beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH), the herbicides paraquat and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and the fungicide maneb. In 2009, the US Veterans Affairs Department stated that PD could be caused by exposure to Agent Orange.
We should remember that simple exposure to a single toxin in the environment is probably not enough to cause PD. Most people who are exposed to such toxins do not develop PD.
PD Supplies
If you or a loved one has PD, it is very important that you take your medications on time. If you do not take your pills in the right order or at the right times, your symptoms could worsen, or you could suffer unpleasant side effects. Our PD supplies include many handy medication reminders that help to ensure that you take all of your medications daily. The Vibrating Alarm Medication Reminder is a good choice, as is the Weekly Pill Turtle Medication Organizer with Reminder Alarm.
