As of 2024, over one million people have been affected by Parkinson’s Disease in the United States of America (National Institute of Health). Regarded as one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, massive amounts of research and studies have been conducted. From trying to find out its origin to finding a cure, there is still so much to be learned about this deadly disease. Among the unknown, something scientists still have not been able to find is a cure.
First documented in 1817, English Physician James Parkinson described Parkinson’s Disease as “shaking palsy” (Stanford). Nowadays, according to the National Institute of Health, “Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes gradual, progressive damage to the nervous system and parts of the body it controls” (NIH). Major symptoms of this disease include tremors in the hands, arms, and legs, muscle stiffness, and impaired balance and coordination. Potential signs of Parkinson’s typically show at age 60, but recently, many have seen early signs of onset Parkinson’s at age 50. Typically, reasons for contracting this disease include a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In most patients, Parkinson’s appears to be a hereditary gene, rather than a genetic mutation. Within the DNA, the specific genes affected by Parkinson’s include PARK2, LRRK2, and SNCA. The gene PARK2 produces a protein called Park. This protein helps cells break down and recycle other types of protein within the body. LRRK2 is a gene that produces a type of protein that is typically found in the brain. Mutations to LRRK2 are amongst the most common causes of Parkinson’s disease. Similarly, variations to SNCA, which creates a protein called Alpha-Synuclein, clumps in the brain cells, causing early onset Parkinsons. Another reason for the development of Parkinson’s comes from environmental factors. Studies have shown that exposure to certain pesticides and herbicides, metals, and air pollution can increase rates of Parkinson's.
But what happens when one gets Parkinson’s Disease? When one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the body starts making uncontrollable movements, such as shaking or sudden stiffness. A meticulous amount of research has been conducted to find a cure, but it still has yet to be discovered. The main reason for the lack of a cure is that Parkinson’s affects the brain’s neurons, so to cure the disease, the cure needs to prevent the neurons from getting sick. However, the technology in the present is not advanced enough to simulate that necessity. Scientists hope that in the future, as the field of medicine advances, a cure will soon be found.
Works Cited
“History of PD.” Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach, med.stanford.edu/parkinsons/introduction-PD/history.html#:~:text=First%20described%20in%201817%20by.
National Institute on Aging. “Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.” National Institute on Aging, 2022, www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-disease-causes-symptoms-and-treatments.
NHS. “Parkinson’s Disease - Causes.” Nhs.uk, 3 Oct. 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/parkinsons-disease/causes/#:~:text=Some%20researchers%20also%20feel%20environmental.
“Parkinson’s Disease: Challenges, Progress, and Promise | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.” Www.ninds.nih.gov, 30 Jan. 2023, www.ninds.nih.gov/current-research/focus-disorders/parkinsons-disease-research/parkinsons-disease-challenges-progress-and-promise#:~:text=Approximately%20500%2C000%20Americans%20are%20diagnosed.
“Parkinson’s Disease: MedlinePlus Genetics.” Medlineplus.gov, 1 May 2012, medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/parkinsons-disease/#:~:text=Familial%20cases%20of%20Parkinson.
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