Parkinson's Disease: An Overview

Causes of Parkinson's Disease

What Causes Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease occurs because brain cells that produce dopamine die or are impaired.^[1][2] Dopamine is the chemical messenger responsible for sending a message within the brain to start muscle movement. The loss of dopamine results in the abnormal movements typical of Parkinson's disease. Lewy bodies, unusual clumps of protein in the brain, are also present. What part they play in the disease is unknown. What is responsible for causing the death of brain cells and clumping of Lewy bodies in the brain is also unknown.

Researchers believe that genetic mutations cause a person to be at greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease and that environmental triggers actually cause a person to develop the disease.^[1] Several genes have been linked to the disease. The impact of genetic mutation is understood for only one of the genes called PINK1. It seems to damage mitochondria through oxidative stress. Mitochondria provide energy to the cell. Oxidative stress occurs when highly reactive forms of chemicals are present in the body. Possible environmental triggers include toxic chemicals such as pesticides, viruses, head trauma, and oxidative stress.

This Elder Health Guide was published on August 1, 2009.