Parkinson's Disease May Be an Inherited Disorder

Summary: Two studies at the Mayo Clinic in Florida conclude that Parkinson's disease is caused primarily by inherited genetic mutations passed through families over several hundred years. These findings overturn common beliefs that the disease is due primarily to either environmental or random factors.

Comment: The gene in question, LRRK2, can carry at least seven mutations that are linked to typical, late onset development of Parkinson's disease in populations around the world. The research may eventually allow scientists to predict how common genes combine with environmental risks to make some people susceptible to the disease.

Read article - Mayo Clinic.