Parkinson associated with 5 genes

• May 4, 2024

Scientists identified 5 new genes linked to the disease Parkinson , in a genetic analysis of the condition, published by the medical journal Lancet.

After reviewing almost 8 million possible genetic mutations , researchers pointed out that they identified 5 genes most associated with Parkinson's disease. In addition to the six genes previously typed on this disease. Experts say there is an increase in evidence showing that the degenerative illness it is triggered by a variant in the genes.

The discovery does not mean there is a new treatment , but they are optimistic that they are getting closer.

"The most common genetic variants in Parkinson's have been found" said Nick Wood , professor at the Institute of Neurology at University College London, and researcher of the study.

Genetic samples from more than 12 thousand people with Parkinson's and more than 21 thousand from the general population in Europe and the United States were analyzed. It was found that people with greater number of mutations in the 11 genes associated with Parkinson's were 2.5 veces more prone to develop this disease that people who had fewer mutations.

Until recently, specialists were not sure what caused Parkinson's disease, but it was assumed that environmental factors Like exposure to chemicals or head injuries, they could be responsible.

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neuronal disease that attacks the cells of the brain that do not create enough dopamine. This leads to the patient suffering symptoms such as tremors , rigidity, and slowness in movement. The treatments are scarce and none cure the condition.

Video Medicine: Mayo researchers: Genetic mutation linked to Parkinson's disease (May 2024).