Cause of Parkinson's Disease

The causes of Parkinson's disease are still unknown. However, researchers have formulated several theories to explain its cause. These theories include free radicals, environmental factors, genetic factors, and normal aging. It is also believed that a combination of these things may ultimately prove to be the cause of Parkinson's disease.

 

Parkinson's Disease Causes: An Overview

Parkinson's disease occurs when certain nerve cells (called neurons) in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these neurons produce an important brain chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals between the substantia nigra and the next "relay station" of the brain, the corpus striatum, to produce smooth, purposeful muscle movement.
 
A loss of dopamine causes the nerve cells of the corpus striatum to fire out of control, leaving people unable to direct or control their movements in a normal manner. Parkinson's research studies have shown that people with the condition have lost 80 percent or more of the dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra.
 
But why this nerve death or impairment happens is still unknown, although significant findings by research scientists continue to yield fascinating new clues and several theories about Parkinson's disease causes.
 

Current Theories for the Cause of Parkinson's Disease

Current theories regarding the cause or causes of Parkinson's disease include:
 
  • Environmental factors
  • Genetic factors
  • Free radicals
  • Normal age-related wearing down
  • A combination of some or all of these theories.
     
Environmental Factor Theory
Some scientists have suggested that the cause of Parkinson's disease may occur when either an external or an internal toxin selectively destroys neurons associated with dopamine. An environmental risk factor, such as exposure to pesticides or a toxin in the food supply, is an example of the kind of external trigger that could hypothetically be a cause of Parkinson's disease. The theory is based on the fact that there are a number of toxins, such as 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6,-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and neuroleptic drugs, that are known to cause parkinsonian symptoms in humans. So far, however, no research has provided conclusive proof that a toxin is the cause of Parkinson's disease.
(Cause of Parkinson's Disease Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD