Author: Maysoon Almasarweh
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects motor functions as well as memory and language skills. This disease has also been known to cause other symptoms such as disrupted cognitive function, tremors, trouble sleeping, and difficulty chewing/swallowing . In addition, the disease makes it significantly more difficult for those affected to control their emotions, leading to mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety. Underlying symptoms like bowel issues, fatigue, chronic pain, changes in blood pressure, decreased sense of smell, loss of balance, difficulty conducting automatic movements (smiling, blinking, etc.), difficulty speaking or writing, and bradykinesia, or slowed movements, may also be attributed to Parkinson’s.
In regards to causation, there are a handful of factors that increase the likelihood that an individual is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. First and foremost, we have genes—specifically the SNCA and LRRK2 genes. The LRRK2 gene in particular happens to be the most common cause of Parkinson’s. It is highly active in the brain tissue as it transfers phosphate groups to amino acids. This protein also interacts with the mitochondrial membrane of the brain’s cells. The mutation of this gene results in slowed processes of the brain. On the other hand, SNCA plays a crucial role in the production of alpha-synuclein; a protein that regulates the release of neurotransmitters and neuron interactions in the synaptic gap. However, once mutated, the SNCA gene begins to produce the alpha-synuclein in excess causing it to degrade and form clumps called Lewy bodies that interrupt the transport of neurotransmitters—thus disrupting crucial cognitive functions along with it.
Other more environmentally focused factors that are believed to promote the development of Parkinson’s disease include exposure to toxins such as pesticides and MPTP (a chemical substance found in many illegal drugs and is often sold as a “synthetic heroine”). Although these factors may play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease, they have not been proven to cause it directly. In order to have Parkinson’s, one must inherit the recessive trait for the aforementioned mutated genes. Additional factors such as age and sex can also influence the development process, as the disease is more common amongst men and individuals over the age of sixty-five.
Now, when it comes to diagnosis there are a few commonly used methods. These methods include brain scans (MRI and PET scans) as well as blood tests that can be used to rule out other conditions with overlapping symptoms, genetic tests, and alpha-synuclein tests done on the spinal fluid or skin to detect Lewy bodies. Once diagnosed, Parkinson’s may be treated using a number of different medications. These medications include—but are not limited to—levodopa (oral), ibrija (inhaled levodopa), duopa (infusion levodopa), dopamine agonists, and protein inhibitors that facilitate the distribution of neurotransmitters. Such treatments have been known to ease and/or treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s but as of right now there is no cure for the disease itself.
Works Cited
Neurobiology of parkinson’s disease laboratory – degradation of alpha-synuclein. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). link
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, September 27). Parkinson’s disease. Mayo Clinic. link
Magistrelli, L., Contaldi, E., & Comi, C. (2021, August 9). The impact of SNCA variations and its product alpha-synuclein on non-motor features of parkinson’s disease. MDPI. link
Edited by: Tammy Zhen
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