Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
The causes of parkinson's disease are unknown, but several factors appear to play a role including:
Genes
Researchers have identified specific genetic mutations that can cause the disease.
Environmental Triggers
Exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease, but the risk is relatively small.
The presence of lewy bodies
Clumps of specific substances with brain cells are microscopic markers of Parkinson's disease. These are called Lewy bodies and researchers believe these lewy bodies hold an important clue to the cause of the disease.
Alpha-synuclein found within lewy bodies
It is found in all lewy bodies in a clumped form that cells can’t break down. This is currently an important focus among Parkinson’s disease researchers.
