Heredity+in+Parkinson's+Disease

[|PubMed.gov]

June 3,2001 Parkinsonism disease affects a person’s nervous system. Until recently scientist thought that Parkinson disease was caused by a person’s environment, but now they think it could be caused by heredity as well as environmental causes. Scientist discovered alpha-synuclein mutations in families with autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease. This can cause neuron cell death. Also a mutation in the ubiquitin carboxy-teminal hydrolase L1 gene can also lead to Parkinsonism. Knowing that this is hereditary gives new strengths on understanding the paths of neuron damage and Parkinson’s disease. This also helps in identifying it earlier and having better treatments. ALittle March 14, 2010