Better Health Centre |+| Parkinson Disease Background

Parkinson's disease – a brief background.

Dr. James Parkinson presented a study in the early 1800's that was able to link tremors, or palsy, with a disease disorder in the brain. This was how Parkinson's disease was discovered. Parkinson's disease has come a long way since the association was first made. Although it cannot be cured, it can very often be controlled for many years in most patients.

One of the reasons there is no cure for Parkinson's disease is partly because there are numerous possible factors to take into consideration as to what might cause the disease in the first place. These factors include:

• heredity
• environmental
• diet
• and many other factors

Although heredity may play a role in who develops Parkinson's disease, this does not mean that children and siblings will automatically get it, too. However, they may be at higher risk.

New found factors linking Parkinson's disease to heredity and genetics may go a long way in helping to discover a cure. Though the incidence of a child inheriting Parkinson's disease from a parent is relatively rare, studies have show that this is not impossible. If scientists can link a mutant gene to Parkinson's disease, it could be a huge advance in discovering a cure.

Many environmental factors can be associated with the development of Parkinson's disease in people as well. Although these theories have not been proven by science, they do raise strong suspicions and are being studied. Toxins in the air are believed to be the main culprits. These toxins include industrial metals and widely used pesticides.

Another contributing factor thought to contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease is previous head trauma in the person's life. Many famous people have developed Parkinson's disease, one being world famous boxer, Muhammad Ali.

Doctors have wondered if the continuous blows to the head that he took during his career contributed to the development of this disease, or perhaps aggravated any symptoms that may have already been present.

Many other factors play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease such as age, race, and gender. Parkinson's disease occurs most in white men who are over 50.

However, many younger people have also developed this disease, as well as many women. Parkinson's disease is widespread throughout the world, and affects approximately 200 people per 100,000.  Parkinson's disease can be controlled effectively with the right combination of medications.