Parkinson's Disease

Home » Parkinson's Disease » Causes

Causes

The body's ability to produce smooth, controlled, muscular activity is a product of many complex, interrelated functions. Few, however, are as critical as the functioning of the nerve cells, or neurons, in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. These neurons produce the brain chemical dopamine, which is responsible for transmitting signals associated with muscular activity between the substantia nigra and another part of the brain, the corpus striatum.

Parkinson's disease occurs when these neurons die or cease to function properly. Without enough dopamine to control them, the neurons of the corpus striatum cannot function in their usual, coordinated manner, and the result is an inability to direct or control the body's movements normally.

Research has found the typical Parkinson's patient has an 80% or greater deficiency of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra. It is as yet impossible to state conclusively why these cells die or become impaired, but there are several theories.

One suggests the nerve cells are damaged by free radicals—unstable molecules generated by normal chemical reactions in the body. Free radicals lack one electron, and attempt to replace it by reacting with nearby molecules in a process called oxidation, which is potentially damaging to tissues, including neurons. This damage normally is controlled by other chemicals called antioxidants. Some imperfectly understood mechanism, possibly associated with the aging process, prevents this balance from occurring, the theory maintains.

Another theory holds that some form of toxin, either external or internal, destroys the dopamine-producing neurons. Exposure to pesticides or a toxic substance in the food supply is thought to be the cause, but research has not yet been able to prove this theory conclusively.

Genetic factors also are being investigated. Because roughly one-fifth of Parkinson's patients have at least one close relative with some form of parkinsonian symptom, scientists are investigating the possibility that the roots of Parkinson's disease might be locked within an as-yet unexplored facet of DNA.

Parkinson's Disease Resources

	Join Our Parkinson's Disease Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted. June 1st is National Cancer Survivors Day Share your survival story and help others in the fight against cancer. Read cancer survivor stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar.