The causes of Parkinson's Disease are not clearly known. Certain factors, however, are likely to contribute to causing it.
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CHEMICAL IMBALANCE IN THE BRAIN:
- Parkinson's disease is associated with loss of dopamine which is a neurotransmitter.
- Neurotransmitters are substances that allow the brain cells to communicate with each other.
- Dopamine acts as a messenger between two brain areas. This helps to produce smooth controlled movements.
- Parkinson's disease results when the cells that produce dopamine start deteriorating.
- It is not clear why the cells deteriorate. However, it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can cause cell damage.
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GENES:
- One of the causes of Parkinson's disease is an associated family history of the condition.
- About 15% of Parkinson's sufferers have been documented to have at least one person in the family suffering from it.
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ENVIRONMENT:
- Causes of Parkinson's disease may include chronic illnesses, head trauma, exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides or herbicides as they are believed to cause deterioration of cells producing dopamine.
