Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological disease that is compounded by the absence of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The symptoms of this disease vary according to individuals and can be mild to severe. Normally this is a progressive disease that runs its course through 5 stages where physical, cognitive and emotional well-being is increasingly compromised. Although in many instances no reason for the disease can be given (Idiopathic) in some cases Parkinson’s can be linked with several factors. For example, some studies link toxic exposure, head traumas, drugs and genetics may be causative factors in the disease.
Although there are no tests that can conclusively diagnose Parkinson’s disease PET scans indicate that dopamine is deficient in key areas of the brain that impact movement and speech. It is believed that a trauma to this region of the brain may lead to the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms. In fact, studies suggest that people with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to have suffered a traumatic brain injury than the rest of the population (National Parkinson’s foundation).
Another factor that seems to be strongly linked as a cause of Parkinson’s Disease is toxic exposure to chemicals or minerals that in excess become damaging to brain tissue. For example, iron in excessive quantities may damage normal cells in the brain. These cells are often key to the manufacture of dopamine which seems to be a determining factor in the onset of Parkinson’s. Pesticides are another group of chemicals linked to Parkinson’s. Some studies suggest that people drinking from wells contaminated by farm chemicals and pesticides are more likely to develop Parkinson’s.
Genetic factors have also been implicated as one of the causes of Parkinson’s Disease. Mutations on several genes are of interest to researchers. There is evidence to suggest that there is a genetic link in families. Drugs also seem to pose a risk for Parkinson’s Disease. In fact antipsychotics that are routinely administered for psychosis directly impact dopamine and cause Parkinson’s like symptoms. Scientists also believe that in some instances the causes of Parkinson’s Disease may be a combination of influences.