In this article from the Washington Post, it has been revealed that scientists have found 5 new genes that contribute to Parkinson’s disease, on top of the 6 previously identified. Though this doesn’t automatically mean that new treatments will be available, scientists are hopeful that the confirmation of their theories that Parkinson’s is caused by people’s genes will help in the development of future treatments. Before they had identified genes as the main cause of Parkinson’s, researchers had believed that chemicals or past injuries were the cause. However, with their study of over 30,000 people, people with the 11 genes linked to Parkinson’s were more than twice as likely to develop the disease than people that had fewer of the genes. However, does this mean that even individuals without any of the 11 genes can still develop the disease?
What scientists already knew about Parkinson’s is that it is an degenerative brain disease that acts up when the chemical dopamine isn’t produced in high enough amounts. Usually this leads to tremors and rigidity or slowed movement. As of now, there are few treatments and no cure. Experts are hoping that the genetic research may lead to evidence of what actually triggers the disease, which will hopefully lead to further treatments.
This article is fascinating because it involves both genetics and the brain. Parkinson’s is such a debilitating disease, any further work and development of treatments would be incredible and lead to hope for those that may have the genes that make Parkinson’s more likely.
I find it interesting how scientist are always find new things dealing with our bodies, or related to cancer. I knew about this disease but never knew in depth about it. I like your article you chose.
ReplyDeleteIt's weird to think all the new techonolgy they come up with, they still cant find a cure for ceritan cancers that you think they would have came up with by now.