Whilst I recognise that you only asked if this disease is hereditary, these details are somewhat pertinent to the answer:-Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition affecting movements such as walking, swallowing and writing. There is a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. These cells are responsible for producing a chemical known as dopamine, which allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that co-ordinate movement. With the depletion of dopamine-producing cells, these parts of the brain are unable to function normally. When about 80 percent of the dopamine has been lost, the symptoms of Parkinson's appear and the level of dopamine will continue to fall slowly over many years. The reason why the loss of dopamine occurs in the brains of people with Parkinson's is currently unknown. Most researchers believe it is likely that many factors play a role in causing Parkinson's. Areas of research into the cause include genetics and environmental factors While the majority of cases of Parkinson’s are not thought by researchers to be directly inherited, a number of defective genes which have been associated with the rare inherited or familial form of Parkinson’s have been identified. Nine genes have been linked to the rare inherited form of Parkinson’s. In addition, there may be a genetic factor that makes people more susceptible to the non-inherited form of Parkinson’s. Research will also help to understand which factors are involved in the formation, survival and death of dopamine-producing neurons.
I add this link which discusses the disease:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Parkinson's_disease
Hope this helps
Matador 89
2007-03-11 08:45:59
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Can be. Although there are many theories about the cause of Parkinson's disease, none has ever been proved. Researchers have reported families with apparently inherited Parkinson's for more than a century. However, until recently, the prevailing theory held that one or more environmental factors caused the disease. Severe Parkinson's-like symptoms have been described in people who took an illegal drug contaminated with the chemical MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) and in people who contracted a particularly severe form of influenza during an epidemic in the early 1900s. Recent studies of twins and families with Parkinson's have suggested that some people have an inherited susceptibility to the disease that may be influenced by environmental factors. The strong familial inheritance of the chromosome 4 gene is the first evidence that a gene alteration alone may lead to Parkinson's disease in some people.
2007-03-11 08:32:08
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answer #2
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answered by St♥rmy Skye 6
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This question seems to have a "Yes and No" answer. "Roughly one-fifth of Parkinson's disease patients have at least one relative with parkinsonian symptoms, suggesting that a genetic factor may be involved. Several genes that cause symptoms in younger patients have been identified. Most researchers believe, however, that most cases are not caused by genetic factors alone." There are some good sites with Parkinson's info including http://www.neurologychannel.com/parkinsonsdisease/.
2007-03-11 08:40:21
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answer #3
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answered by TeriR 6
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Parkinson's is genetic each now and then. In truly some circumstances, like mine, it isn't. i became dxd 4 years in the past and there is not any historic previous of it everywhere in my family members. I particularly have heard truly some causes that carry about Parkinson's, yet there are some circumstances which will be a secret. In my case, each and each of the excuses they understand of did not practice to me. there is truly some study occurring, so i'm hopeful some breakthroughs will be coming near near.
2016-12-01 20:25:03
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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The Parkinson's Reversing Breakthrough?
2016-05-16 18:46:31
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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It tends to be...there is a strong familial link, usually in the male side of the family.
2007-03-11 08:31:22
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answer #6
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answered by bflogal77 4
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Yes
Parkin gene
Synuclein gene have been identified
2007-03-16 07:11:15
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answer #7
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answered by Dynamite 3
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YES
2007-03-11 08:31:33
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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