Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Parkinson's disease is mainly divided into two types. One type is familial Parkinson's disease, which definitely has a clear genetic predisposition. This disease is caused by mutations in some genes that lead to disruptions in some internal environments and the accumulation of abnormal proteins, eventually causing the death of neurons. Since the disease is caused by genetic mutations, there is definitely a certain genetic predisposition, and reproductive counseling is necessary to prevent the birth of offspring with Parkinson's disease. Moreover, most cases of Parkinson's disease are sporadic, and these diseases may be related to acquired factors, such as long-term mental stress, excessive pressure, brain trauma, or cerebrovascular diseases in patients, which can all lead to Parkinson's disease. This type of disease is definitely not inherited, so there is no need to worry too much.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What department should Parkinson's disease go to?

Parkinson's disease is classified as a neurological disorder, so once considered for Parkinson's disease, registration is naturally in the department of neurology. Many neurologists are very familiar with Parkinson's disease and also have rich experience in diagnosis and treatment. Especially some neurology experts who specialize in Parkinson's disease have their own unique views on the pathogenesis, etiology, and clinical manifestations of the disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological condition primarily divided into motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms, severely impacting the quality of life and work of patients. Symptoms include bradykinesia, resting tremor, muscle rigidity, etc. Treatment involves anticholinergic drugs and dopamine receptor agonists. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician, and self-medication should be avoided.)

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Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
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How long does the course of Parkinson's disease usually last?

The course of Parkinson's disease generally lasts for how long? Parkinson's disease, also known as shaking palsy, is a common neurodegenerative disease, and the age at onset varies. For early-onset Parkinson's disease, it generally starts around age 40 to 50, while late-onset Parkinson's disease generally starts after age 50. As age gradually increases, the course of Parkinson's disease is generally about 20 to 40 years. Once diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, it is a lifelong condition. This disease is incurable, and can only be managed through medications, surgical treatments, physical rehabilitation, and psychological therapies to improve or control symptoms, but it cannot be cured. Therefore, once diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, the disease is lifelong.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?

A small portion of Parkinson's disease has a genetic predisposition. According to research statistics, about 5% to 10% of Parkinson’s disease cases are familial, caused by certain gene mutations leading to neurodegeneration. This part of the disease does have a genetic predisposition. However, it does not mean that if the parents have the disease, the child will definitely inherit it; environmental factors are also related. Most cases of Parkinson’s disease do not have a genetic predisposition and are sporadic, possibly related to cerebral ischemia, hypoxia, stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and long-term exposure to certain toxins. These aspects are definitely not hereditary. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that can cause symptoms such as bradykinesia, increased muscle tone, and unstable posture. It is important to seek medical treatment promptly.

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Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
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Can Parkinson's disease be cured?

The core treatment for Parkinson's disease currently is pharmacotherapy, with surgical treatment serving as a supplement. Additionally, physical rehabilitation and psychological therapy are also recommended. The most effective drugs against Parkinson's at present include Levodopa, or compound Levodopa preparations. Other treatments include dopamine receptor agonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, amantadine, anticholinergic drugs, and catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors. Furthermore, there are treatments aimed at non-motor symptoms, such as psychiatric symptoms, cognitive impairments, autonomic dysfunctions, and sleep disorders. For drug treatments, it is advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase to an appropriate dosage while maintaining the medication regimen. Currently, we cannot cure Parkinson's disease; we can only provide relief to the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease through comprehensive treatment. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Shi Xiang
Neurology
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Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease

The early symptoms of Parkinson's disease primarily include weakness of limbs on one side, resting tremors, and bradykinesia, among others. As the disease progresses, patients will display typical Parkinson's symptoms, including a shuffling gait, reduced facial expressions, decreased sense of smell, orthostatic hypotension, anxiety and depression, cognitive decline, constipation, frequent urination, etc. Therefore, when these symptoms appear, the possibility of Parkinson's disease should be considered. Patients need to promptly visit the neurology department of a hospital for complete testing such as routine blood tests, urinalysis, MRI of the skull, and if necessary, cerebrospinal fluid analysis through lumbar puncture to confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, treatment with anti-Parkinson's medication should be started as soon as possible. Commonly used medications include Levodopa, dopamine receptor agonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, Vitamin B6, and more.