Do You Understand the Causes of Parkinson’s Disease?

There has been much research in the past few years regarding Parkinson’s disease. Much more is known now about the possible causes for Parkinson’s. Knowing more about the causes leads to developing better treatments. Researchers believe that Parkinson’s develops when brain cells die. The cell death results in a lack of balance and coordination and the presence of the tremors, which are a hallmark of the disease.

Researchers have discovered that in those with Parkinson’s the cells that produce Dopamine are often depleted by as much as 80%. Sometimes cell death can be linked to extreme drug or alcohol abuse or extreme brain or head trauma over an extended period of time. More research is still being done to become more conclusive about these theories of cause.

One popular theory for a cause of Parkinson’s is that toxins, from an internal or external source targeted specific nerves or cells that are responsible for movement and resulted in the death of these cells in those who have Parkinson’s. Another theory involves free radical theory being responsible for the onset of Parkinson’s disease. This theory initiated because of the discovery that some Parkinson’s patients have a large level of iron in their brain, which might indicate a reaction with iron fro, oxidation. Another theory is that genetics plays a role in who get Parkinson’s. Studies show that approximately 20% of all those who have Parkinson’s have a relative with the disease.

There is also a theory that with some individual’s age is accelerated and dopamine production decreases with age, which leads to not enough dopamine in the system and thus the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

All of the above theories as the causes of Parkinson’s are just theories and they all require more studies before any of them can be proven. The true cause may be among these theories or it may turn out that more than one cause or factor that determines who gets Parkinson’s and who doesn’t.

We do know that Parkinson’s can take years to progress and that individuals with the disease can live comfortable and productive lives for many years after they have been diagnosed no matter what the cause of the disease. Many individuals have led very notable lives after receiving the diagnosis including actor Michael J. Fox, artist Salvador Dali, former United States Attorney General Janet Reno, evangelist Billy Graham, and Pope John Paul II.

Someday we all may understand better about the causes or causes of Parkinson’s disease but in the meantime there are treatments that allow individuals like those mentioned above and others who have lived productive lives after receiving the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Do you understand the cause of Parkinson’s? Someday, through research we may be able to say, yes we do know the cause of Parkinson’s.

Related Articles

• Types of Parkinson’s Disease - Parkinson's disease is a degenerative condition that is often characterized by involuntary movements ....
• Did You Know This About Parkinson’s Disease? - Diseases such as Parkinson's are constantly being researched so there are new facts being discovered ....
• Parkinson’s Disease Warning Signs - Do you know if you are at risk for Parkinson’s disease? What are the symptoms? What should you watch ....
• Getting to Know Parkinson’s - If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease you are probably sea ....
• Surgery and Drugs of Choice to Treat Parkinson’s Disease - No one likes to think of having surgery, but it is necessary at certain points of our lives if there ....