One of the questions we are asked at Instituto Clavel about Parkinson’s disease, is whether it is hereditary. People obviously worry about this when there are cases of Parkinson’s in their family.
Currently the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting adults, and among the various neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease (PD) is a growing cause of disability and mortality worldwide.
Globally, it is estimated that there are 129 cases for every 100,000 people. While the ageing of the world’s population explains much of the increase in terms of absolute numbers, the age-adjusted incidence is also increasing for reasons that are not yet fully understood.
Although most cases are not hereditary, there are genetic factors associated with PD, both in sporadic and familial Parkinson’s disease, especially in cases of early onset (before the age of 40.) Approximately 15% of Parkinson’s patients have genetic mutations associated with the disease, such as the Parkin protein coding gene (PRKN). Traditionally considered to be a motor system disorder, PD is now recognized as a complex disorder that includes a wide range of non-motor symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
● Tremor. This is most characteristic sign of PD, most noticeably in the hands and fingers and mainly when the hands are at rest.
● Loss of facial expression, also known as facial masking.
● Changes to posture.
● Changes in speech. The patient’s speech may become monotone and softer. They also may speak hesitantly, or much faster.
● Disturbances to REM sleep.
● Constipation.
● Altered sense of smell.
● Handwriting abnormalities, including micrographia (small, cramped handwriting).
What are the risk factors for Parkinson’s disease?
Multiple risk factors associated with Parkinson’s have been identified. Although most cases of Parkinson's disease appear to be sporadic (not hereditary), there is increasing evidence that genetic mutations play a role in the origin of this disease, particularly when the onset of symptoms occurs before the age of 50.
Sporadic (non-familial) Parkinson's disease
Most cases of Parkinson's are non-familial (not hereditary), and, as we said above, most cases of PD are not associated with genetic factors.
What are the risk factors for non-familial Parkinson’s disease?
● Age: Age is the most significant risk factor. The incidence of PD increases steadily in adults after age 50. However, PD is not exclusive to older adults.
● Sex: PD occurs in men 1.4 times more frequently than in women.
● Genetics: There is increasing evidence that genetic factors play a role in the origin of this disease, including cases of non-familial PD.
● Environmental factors: Various environmental factors have been identified as risks. Some examples include: exposure to pesticides, air pollution, living in urban or industrial areas, or having reduced levels of vitamin D caused by insufficient exposure to sunlight or dietary deficiency.
Familial Parkinson’s disease
Although most cases of PD appear to be sporadic (not inherited), when there is a family history of Parkinson’s in a first-degree relative, the risk of developing the disease is 2 to 3 times greater than in sporadic Parkinson’s Disease. The onset is typically earlier than in sporadic PD.
What are the risk factors of familial Parkinson’s disease?
There is a long list of gene mutations associated with Parkinson’s disease (genes PARK1 through PARK23). Some of the gene mutations that are associated with Parkinson's disease are:
● LRRK2 gene: Late-onset disease (average age, 65).
● PRKN gene: Early onset of symptoms (before age 50), progression is slow and gradual.
● DJ-1 gene: Onset at age younger than 40, progression is slow and responds well to standard medication (levodopa).
● Other genes: SNCA gene, PINK1 gene, GBA gene.
We hope that this post has answered some of your questions about the origins of both sporadic and hereditary cases of this neurological pathology, and helped you understand it better.
At Instituto Clavel, we have a team of the best neurologists in Spain, specializing in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In addition to the experience of these experts, we also have the most cutting-edge technology and can offer the most advanced treatments for this disease. The key to best results lies in getting an accurate diagnosis early, and beginning an individualized treatment plan.
If you have further questions about this disease, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our specialist neurologists at either of our centers, in Barcelona or Madrid. We are here to help you!
Categories: Prevention, Brain treatments, Brain pathologies