Is Parkinson’s disease hereditary?

Marisa Wexler, MS avatar

by Marisa Wexler, MS |

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Is Parkinson’s disease hereditary?

Category: Overview

In some cases, Parkinson’s is caused by mutations that can be passed from parents to their biological children, but for most people with Parkinson’s there is no family history or clear genetic cause. About 15% of people with Parkinson’s have a family history of the disease.

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About the Author

Marisa Wexler, MS avatar
Marisa Wexler, MS Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

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