Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects a person's movement, balance, and coordination. It is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the substantia nigra, a part of the brain that produces a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger responsible for controlling muscle movement and coordination.
There is no definite cause of Parkinson’s disease, however, the majority of cases are considered to be idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing Parkinson’s disease. These include age, gender, genetics, exposure to toxins, and head trauma.
Age is the most significant risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. It is more common in people over the age of 60, and the risk increases with age. Men are also more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women.
In addition, genetics can play a role in developing Parkinson’s disease. Mutations in certain genes can increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. Exposure to certain toxins can also increase a person’s risk for developing the disease. These toxins can be found in pesticides, herbicides, and some industrial chemicals. Finally, head trauma has been linked to Parkinson’s disease, particularly in young people.
In conclusion, the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but certain risk factors such as age, gender, genetics, exposure to toxins, and head trauma can increase a person’s risk for developing the disease.