What causes Parkinson's disease?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:While we don't yet know what exactly causes Parkinson's disease, brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (used by nerve cells to communicate with one another) play an important role. When brain cells that produce one of these chemical messengers -- dopamine -- don't work properly or die, Parkinson's symptoms develop. Being exposed to environmental toxins or viruses may also trigger symptoms. Your genes are another factor in whether -- or how early -- you develop the condition.While we don't yet know what exactly causes Parkinson's disease, brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (used by nerve cells to communicate with one another) play an important role. When brain cells that produce one of these chemical... More -
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease come from a lack of dopamine, which is a chemical messenger in the brain. Scientists aren't sure what causes the brain cells that make dopamine to die or stop working. Up to 20% of people with Parkinson's have a relative with the disease, so there may be a genetic component. Parkinson's may also result from environmental poisons.
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease come from a lack of dopamine, which is a chemical messenger in the brain. Scientists aren't sure what causes the brain cells that make dopamine to die or stop working. Up to 20% of people with Parkinson's have a... More -
Discovery Health answered:Doctors do not know exactly what causes Parkinson's disease. But they think the disease stems from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. In approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of patients, there is a family history of the disease.
Other possible causes include exposure to toxins, a virus, head trauma, stroke and fluid buildup in the brain.
Doctors do not know exactly what causes Parkinson's disease. But they think the disease stems from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. In approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of patients, there is a family history of the disease.... More -
Healthwise answered:Low levels of dopamine, a brain chemical involved in controlling movement, cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Low levels happen when nerve cells in a part of the brain that makes dopamine break down. The exact cause of this breakdown isn't known.
Scientists are looking for links between Parkinson's disease and genetics, aging, toxins in the environment, and free radicals. Although these studies are beginning to provide some answers, experts don't know the exact cause of the disease.
Only a small percentage of people with Parkinson's have a parent, brother or sister who has the disease. But abnormal genes do seem to be a factor in a few families where early-onset Parkinson's is common.
There are many other causes of parkinsonism, which is a group of symptoms that includes tremor, muscle stiffness, slow movement and unsteady walking. Parkinsonism mimics Parkinson's disease, but in fact is not Parkinson's disease.
Low levels of dopamine, a brain chemical involved in controlling movement, cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Low levels happen when nerve cells in a part of the brain that makes dopamine break down. The exact cause of this breakdown isn't... More
