Researchers have developed a “double-hit” rat model of Parkinson’s disease wherein neurodegeneration is driven by both genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure to toxins. The rats were genetically engineered to accumulate human alpha-synuclein protein in the brain like existing models, but were also injected with an inflammation-inducing toxin. The animals…
People with a genetic predisposition to Parkinson’s disease are more likely to have early-onset symptoms, but lifestyle factors such as coffee consumption and tobacco and aspirin use may exert a more significant impact on that risk than common genetic risks, research findings suggest. While still exploratory, “our findings underline…
A first-of-its kind study has identified key genes in the brain that explain why Black Americans have a lower incidence of Parkinson’s disease, but are at heightened risks for other brain disorders, including stroke and Alzheimer’s. “This landmark work enriches our understanding of the role of genetic ancestry in…
Genetic variations in the gene SNCA are tied to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) among Latinos, according to a recent analysis. Also, Latinos with African ancestry are less likely to develop Parkinson’s. The analysis is “the most comprehensive examination of PD genetics in this population [Latinos] to…
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