The Genetic Connection
By David Iverson on March 18, 2008 7:47 PM
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Up until about ten years ago, Parkinson's was not thought to have a genetic connection. I remember being told not to worry after my father was diagnosed over thirty years ago -- the experts thought Parkinson's was not dependent on genes. But over the past decade, a number of gene mutations have been identified that can lead to PD. For someone like me with a parent who had Parkinson's, the genetic angle is particularly intriguing. But beyond that self interest, genetic findings may provide important new insights about all types of Parkinson's.
First, genetics may lead to early identification. If we can spot the possibility of Parkinson's sooner, we have the opportunity for earlier intervention. Second, genetics gives us a window into the disease right at the molecular level. Geneticists think this may help identify "drugable targets'" that could lead to treatments that are applicable not only to genetically-linked Parkinson's disease, but other forms of the disease as well.
We spent some time exploring genetics and Parkinson's at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida last fall. Preview some of what we learned by watching
this video -- then chime in with your thoughts and reactions in our comments forum.
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Hi all.
I want to thank you for all your research and most of all sharing your findings.
I come from a family of Parkinson's. It was very difficult for us to understand what was happening to our loved one's and why they have it. After doing research my great grandfather, grandfather and my father had it. However, it affected my father differently and the stages were odd. My grandparents had it for years and there was no denying it. Parkinson's progressivly took their lives but they all went through all stages in order. But, they lived a long life. However, with my father it was different. I suddenly lost my father one year ago,age 65 to the diease. My fathers stages were undiagnosed and very odd. He went undiagonised for many years because he had small attacks and then was back to driving and finishing roofing jobs like nothing ever happened! Yes, I am serious. The doctors claimed stress or age issues. They wouldn't hear of it in the genetic line. Well guess what, looks like my older brother has it now. Clearly, with my family this diease must carry over in genetics. They say women are at low risk of getting it so I wonder if that's why none of my grandfathers sisters or my dad's sister has/had it? Seems to be dominate in males in our family. Clicnical trials or Parkinson's is clearly visible in my family history. Good luck with your research and please let me know what your findings are.
Once again, thank you for taking time to expose and research this open ended issue!!
Theresa