Disability Resource Directory

Causes of Parkinson's Disease

 Parkinson's Disease is still very much baffling to physicians across the world. Although there is more knowledge on the condition, its causes and treatments today more than ever before, there is still a lot to learn to uncover the truth behind Parkinson's. What is known is that Parkinson's occurs as a result of the death of certain brain cells which react to promote smooth and controlled muscle movement. Without these brain cells, and the chemical, Dopamine, which they produce, the patient is left with a lack of smooth co-ordination and the trademark tremor of the condition.

The cells in the brain which produce Dopamine are found to be seriously depleted in patients suffering from this condition, as much as 75 or 80% in some cases. The causes of these cell deaths are a mystery in the majority of cases, although some can be linked with extreme alcohol or drug abuse, or high levels of damage to the brain or the head over a sustained period of time. There are a variety of theories commonly held as to the cause of the cell deaths which are all very much under investigation, with substantial amounts of money ploughed into research each year.

One theory as to the causes of Parkinson's holds that toxins, either from internal or external sources, singles out the appropriate nerves and cells and causes extreme damage and death to those cells. This is held on the basis that there are numerous toxins which are proven to stimulate Parkinson's within patients.

A second theory, known as the free radical theory, believes that the unstable free radical molecules, which are produced in the body and are thought to have injurious effects by way of their reaction with iron for oxidation, are responsible for the onset of the condition. This works on the basis that in patients with the condition, many are found to have increased iron levels in the brain from normal readings, therefore leading theorists to believe the impact of free radical molecules may be the root cause of the problem.

A third major theory as to the cause of this condition, and one that features considerably in the researching and testing that goes on around the world is the role of genetics in Parkinson's. Around twenty percent of patients suffering from Parkinson's have a relative who also suffers, or who has experienced certain symptoms of the condition. Several of the key genes involved have been identified, and mutations of these genes or chromosomes is now known to result in Parkinson's disease.

A fourth major theory is that Parkinson's is the result of an accelerated aging process. The levels of dopamine in the body decline with age in all humans, and this theory suggests that for some reason, this process is increased in certain patients who consequently feel the effects of Parkinson's.

Most physicians believe that the truth lies somewhere in the middle, and draw on elements of all the four major theories to form their beliefs as to the causes of this frustrating and demoralizing condition.