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 according to the Mayo Clinic.

1. Genetics
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.

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

3. Presence of Lewy bodies
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.

4. Alpha-synuclein in Lewy bodies
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 are thought to contribute to the disease.

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