4 Possible Causes of Parkinson’s Disease

While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is currently unknown, scientists have come up with four possible theories of causes for the condition according to the Mayo Clinic.

There are certain genes which, when they become mutated, cause Parkinson’s disease. However, these mutated genes are very rare, except in cases where Parkinson’s runs in the family. There are also some gene variations which seem to slightly increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s.

Scientists have developed a stem cell strategy for Parkinson’s disease which doesn’t require transplants. Read more.

Researchers think that there are some environmental factors and toxins which may trigger Parkinson’s disease, although they feel the increased risk is small.

Read about the role of dopamine in the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Changes happening within the brain may also be a trigger for Parkinson’s disease. Lewy bodies are proteins found in brain cells which are biomarkers of the disease and may hold the key to finding out the exact cause of the disease.

Study finds that Lewy bodies may help to protect neurons from brain toxicity. Find out more. 

There are many different substances found in Lewy bodies, but scientists are focusing on alpha-synuclein proteins. Alpha-synuclein proteins don’t break down; they form clumps in the cells which is thought to contribute to the disease.

Could the future of Parkinson’s treatment be in alpha-synuclein vaccinations? Find out more.

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