Parkinson’s disease is not necessarily hereditary, since only 10 to 15% of cases tend to show a family history of Parkinson’s. Most cases occur sporadically, and the cause of Parkinson’s is still unknown. Having a close relative with Parkinson’s slightly increases your risk, but doesn’t guarantee that you will develop the disease.
According to Parkinson’s Australia, around 150,000 people are living with Parkinson’s in Australia. Of this number, 10–20% are under the age of 50 — a diagnosis which is known as Young Onset Parkinson’s (YOP). YOP and Parkinson’s are both typically accompanied by these symptoms:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Shuffling gait
- Freezing episodes
- Tremors
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
When it comes to genetics, genes like LRRK2, SNCA, PARK7, PINK1, and PRKN mutate, causing Parkinson’s. However, where a family history of Parkinson’s is recognised, this is only evident in a minority of cases.
Neuralia TMS in Perth have treated Parkinson’s patients for symptoms over the years, so we’ve put together some information about this disease. Here’s what you need to know about Parkinson’s and genetics to understand if you or a loved one is at higher risk.
Key Takeaways
- The chances of parents passing Parkinson’s on to their children are low (10–15%).
- Risk factors associated with Parkinson’s are brain injuries, old age, pesticide exposure, and sporadic mutations.
- There is no known way to prevent Parkinson’s, but diet has been shown to play a role in lowering the risk of getting it.
- Treatment options for Parkinson’s symptoms include TMS, Levodopa (L-Dopa), Dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors.
Can Parents Pass on Parkinson’s to Their Children?
Yes, parents can pass Parkinson’s on to their children, but this is extremely rare. If a parent has a sporadic case, their children have about the same lifetime risk as the general population (roughly 1–2%). However, if a parent has a genetic form of Parkinson’s, the risk of passing it on increases to 10–15%.
So, having a sibling, parent, or grandparent with Parkinson’s slightly increases the risk of getting the disease. However, risks associated with getting Parkinson’s are more likely to be non-genetic. Let’s see what these are.
What Increases the Risk of Getting Parkinson’s?
Factors increasing the risk of getting Parkinson’s have more to do with age, ethnicity, and gender than genetics. Brain injury, and exposure to pesticides or herbicides, have also been shown to increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
| Risk Factor | Description | Increased Risk Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Age | The risk of Parkinson’s disease increases with age, particularly affecting individuals aged 60 and above | Prevalence is approximately:
0.3% for ages 55 to 64 1% for ages 65 to 74 3.1% for ages 75 to 84 4.3% for ages 85 to 94 (IOS Press) |
| Gender | Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women. | Men have a 50% higher risk compared to women (Medical News Today) |
| Genetics | Having a first-degree relative (immediate family) with Parkinson’s disease increases one’s risk | Individuals with a parent or sibling affected have approximately twice the risk (Johns Hopkins Medicine) |
| Ethnicity | Parkinson’s disease prevalence varies among different ethnic groups | The prevalence is 50% lower in Black and Asian populations compared to White populations (Health Union) |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | A history of head injuries may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease | Unknown |
| Exposure to Pesticides | Contact with certain pesticides has been linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease | Unknown |
Can Diet Play a Role in Preventing Parkinson’s?
Yes, Parkinson’s prevention has been linked to maintaining a Mediterranean diet, which can fuel the body with antioxidants and essential oils that are good for the brain and nervous system. Whole grains, nuts, legumes, fruits, and vegetables are also beneficial.
Here’s a list of eight foods that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are factors in Parkinson’s disease progression:
| Food | Benefits |
| Kale and Spinach | High in antioxidants and vitamin K, which may help protect brain cells and reduce oxidative stress |
| Berries | Rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage |
| Salmon | High in omega-3 fatty acids, which can support brain health and reduce neuroinflammation |
| Almonds | Rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats that may help protect the brain from neurodegeneration |
| Olive Oil | Contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which may reduce oxidative stress in the brain |
| Whole Lentils | Provide fibre and antioxidants, promoting healthy brain function and reducing inflammation |
| Turmeric | Contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of brain cell damage |
| Beans and Legumes | High in fibre, antioxidants, and plant-based protein, supporting overall brain health and reducing inflammation |
What are Signs That Point to Possible Parkinson’s Disease?
Signs that could point to possible Parkinson’s disease onset include:
- Involuntary shaking
- Difficulty moving due to stiffness
- Slower body movements
- Falling or stooping due to a lack of balance
- Progressively smaller handwriting
- Less expression in the face
- Shuffled walking
- Slurred and monotone speaking
- Constipation
Treating the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Treating Parkinson’s disease symptoms can be done in various ways, since the disease itself is incurable. These treatment options enhance the quality of life for the individual and help them to move and articulate themselves better. While there are multiple treatment methods available to Parkinson’s patients, we’ll focus on five.
1. Levodopa/Carbidopa
Levodopa is a medication that replenishes dopamine in the brain, an important hormone that Parkinson’s depletes. This medication helps Parkinson’s patients balance their mood and comfort levels. Levodopa is considered the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms.
2. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, uses strong magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity, which can stimulate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Treatments at Neuralia TMS may help to maintain and improve motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients. TMS has also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, two very common (and debilitating) symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
3. MAO-B Inhibitors
Selegiline or Rasagiline are prescription medicines that minimize dopamine breakdown. They are often used together with Levodopa to increase brain dopamine, giving the patient a much higher level of comfort, as well as increased mobility and mental well-being.
4. Occupational Therapy
Because Parkinson’s affects many everyday activities, occupational therapy can help the patient adapt to their newfound limitations. Strategies that assist with movement and social interactions are systematically taught to the patient, helping to maintain a higher quality of life.
5. Speech Therapy
People with Parkinson’s disease tend to speak more softly as the disease progresses. They also start to slur slightly. Speech therapy can help them become conscious of their voice volume, and teach them to articulate themselves better.
Neuralia TMS: TMS for Parkinson’s Disease
At Neuralia TMS, we offer non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. By using targeted magnetic pulses, TMS stimulates key neural pathways, supporting better motor function and overall well-being. Our treatments are designed for individuals seeking an innovative approach beyond standard Parkinson’s therapies — one that’s tailored to their unique needs and lifestyle.
Take the next step toward greater control and comfort. Contact our compassionate team today to explore how Neuralia TMS can help you or your loved one.
Is Parkinson’s Hereditary? | FAQs
Which genes are associated with hereditary Parkinson’s?
The genes associated with hereditary Parkinson’s disease include DNAJC6, PARK2 (parkin), PARK7, RAB39B, SYNJ1, LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2), DNAJC13, CYP2D6, CHCHD2, PTRHD1, Glucocerebrosidase (GBA), UCHL1, SNCA, VPS13C, PODXL, TMEM230, and PARK6.
Can genetic testing determine my risk for Parkinson’s?
Yes, genetic testing can help determine your risk for Parkinson’s to some extent, but genetic testing is not definitive. Certain genetic mutations, like those in the LRRK2 and GBA genes, are linked to an increased risk. However, discovering one of these mutations doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop Parkinson’s.
Are there specific populations more prone to genetic Parkinson’s?
Yes, some populations and ethnicities tend to be more prone to genetic Parkinson’s disease. However, environmental factors play a much larger role. Populations more prone to genetic Parkinson’s include Ashkenazi Jewish populations, Scandinavian populations, and Northern European populations. Populations less prone to developing Parkinson’s are Asian, Latino, and Black populations.
Can Parkinson’s skip generations in families?
Yes, Parkinson’s can skip generations in families, but this seems to be more coincidental rather than a pattern. This might be because of incomplete genetic penetrance, recessive inheritance, and the influence of environmental factors.
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