How did someone as young as Michael J. Fox get Parkinsons?

Answer 1

MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine), a synthetic molecule produced as an accidental byproduct by people attempting to manufacture pethidine (meperidine) is known to cause parkinson's.

it's possible that he took a bad batch of drugs.

Answer 2

Parkinson's disease is caused by the degeneration of a certain part of the brain (the nigrostriatal tract) that controls muscle tone and coordination. Why this degeneration occurs in Parkinson's disease is not known.

In addition, Parkinson's SYNDROME (having the symptoms of a disease) is quite common, with a number of causes, only one of which is Parkinson's DISEASE. In practice, the only way to prove someone has Parkinson's DISEASE is to remove the nigrostriatal tract and look at it under a microscope, a procedure (thankfully) only done during autopsy. Therefore, while people are alive, Parkinson's syndrome is usually presumed to be Parkinson's disease, but this is not always true and can result in confusion or mistakes.

What is known is that age is the major risk factor (over the age of 55). Family history is a risk factor, but despite this, the vast majority of cases have NO known family history.

On the other hand, a small proportion of people with Parkinson's disease DO have a family history, and these people appear to have a different progression--they get symptoms starting at a younger age, and the disease tends to progress faster. There has been some research into the genetic causes of these particular cases, but so far, the results have not told us anything about all other cases (which comprise the vast majority).

So yes, it is possible for someone to get Parkinson's disease young. They are more likely to have a faster progression and to have a family history, but it is not clear if either is true in his particular case.

Incidentally, to the prior poster, Hitler clearly had Parkinson's SYNDROME, but in his case, it was probably due to heavy metal poisoning from his quack doctor, rather than Parkinson's DISEASE.

Answer 3

The Parkinson's Reversing Breakthrough?

Answer 4

Rumor has it that he was shaken as as young Canadian actor. In the early 80's, the cast of Family Ties was told that Michael would be starring in the movie Back to the Future. Michael Gross who played the character, Steven Keaton was overheard yelling at Fox, "Back to the future, back to the future, I'm gonna send you back to the future. You are going to ruin this show. I already took care of that kid who played skippy, you'll be next. As a result of the violence, Brian and Tina became involved in drugs, Meredith divorced her husband, Justine developed an eating disorder and the actor who played Nick was seen roaming the streets only able to utter,"Aaaa."

We know that Parkinson's is a genetic abnormality, but it is induced by repeated blows to the head. Look at Mohamed Ali. He had a doctorate in linguistics, and then boxing ruined his public speaking career.

Did Michael Gross really thrash Marty McFly or was it really Dr. Emmitt Brown? The questions just hurt to much to be answered.

Answer 5

Its a degenerative order of the nervous system. We see more older people with because their nervous systems are older and more susceptible to degeneration. However, it is also genetic and if you are pre-disposed to Parkinson's then you could start deteriorating at any time.

It is suspected that Hitler had Parkinson's (or the onset of it anyhow) and he was only 56 when he died. Not that old really.

Answer 6

Parkinson's is a genetic disease, he did not have control of getting it, or not. it does not depend on environment. age is not a condition.

Answer 7

If you find a good answer then you should forward it to him. I'm sure he would like to know too.

Answer 8

he's genetically predisposned with it.