How is Parkinson's disease caused?
Disease description:
I used to often hear people mention Parkinson's disease while watching TV. I'd like to ask the doctor, what causes Parkinson's disease?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects middle-aged and elderly individuals. Its exact cause remains unclear, but it may be related to multiple factors, including the following:
1. Genetic factors: Parkinson's disease shows a familial inheritance tendency, and approximately 10% of patients have a family history of the disease. Genetic factors may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, although not everyone with a family history will develop the condition.
2. Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial solvents, may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. Head injuries, viral infections, and dietary habits may also play a role in the development of the disease.
3. Aging of the nervous system: With aging, the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra undergo degenerative changes, leading to reduced dopamine secretion, which is a key pathological basis for the development of Parkinson's disease.
4. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress: Inflammatory responses and excessive production of free radicals can damage nerve cells, accelerate their aging and death, thereby promoting the progression of Parkinson's disease.
