Can Parkinson’s be Genetic?

Can Parkinson’s be Genetic?

According to the researches done so far it has been found that there is a possibility of some form of Parkinson’s disease due to genetic mutations. However, the hereditary causes of this disease are quite rare. Around 15% of patients having Parkinson’s disease are seen to have a family history of the same. It has been seen that a history of Parkinson’s disease running in the family may increase the risk of a person to get it. Having a first-degree family member with Parkinson’s essentially raises the risk to 3%. The statistics show that having a parent or sibling with Parkinson’s disease may slightly increase the risk.

Can Parkinson’s Disease Pass From a Parent to the Child?

It is quite a rare phenomenon for Parkinson’s disease to be passed down from a parent to child. Most of the cases of Parkinson’s disease is not hereditary. Nevertheless, patients who get early onset of the Parkinson’s are more likely to have in inherited it from their family members.

What are the Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease with Respect to Genetics?

Although the concrete cause of Parkinson’s disease remains unknown, the researchers have identified multiple risk factors that can increase the chances of getting Parkinson’s-

Gene Mutation: Specific gene mutation which are associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Family History: Presence of a family history of Parkinson’s especially a history of a first degree family member with Parkinson’s.

Age: Being of age above sixty.

Agriculture: Extreme level of exposure to herbicides and pesticides.

Gender: It has been seen that males are at higher risk of the disease than females.

What are the Methods Of Preventing Parkinson’s Disease?

As said earlier the concrete causes of Parkinson’s disease are yet to be discovered. Thus, specific prevention techniques are not known as of now. However, based on few researches, some methods of prevention have seemed beneficial. They include-

Tea: Intake of caffeine and green tea may help lower the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Exercise: Exercise and a healthy and balanced diet keeps all form of diseases including Parkinson’s at bay.

Mediterranean Food: According to few studies following a Mediterranean diet including fish, vegetables, fruits, olive oil, whole grains, nuts and seeds may lower the risk of getting Parkinson’s disease.

Meat: It is important to limit dairy and red meat consumption in order to avoid Parkinson’s.

Is it Important to Go for a Genetic Testing In Case Of Family History of Parkinson’s?

If there is a family member with Parkinson’s disease, it may be recommended to go for a genetic testing. Presence of gene mutation does not guarantee that one may get the disease. Genetic testing may help researchers understand the present condition and develop new treatment options.

What Are The Early Signs Of Parkinson’s Disease?

The early signs of Parkinson’s may include-

  • Presence of tremors and uncontrolled shaking.
  • Marked sign of small handwriting.
  • Sleeping problems like insomnia.
  • Difficulty with walking and moving.
  • Difficulty in standing straight.
  • Feeling of dizziness and fainting.
  • Marked posture irregularity like leaning or slouching.
  • Problems of constipation.
  • Frequent mood swings.

Can You Reverse Parkinson’s disease?

According to the medical researches, as of now there is no official way to reverse Parkinson’s disease. It is said to be progressive disease in which Patients often suffer from cognitive decline. The treatments which exist can help ease the symptoms, but never reverse the disease completely.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:January 10, 2018

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