Barbie
01-18-2005, 03:03 PM
Gene Mutation Linked To Parkinson's: Studies (http://www.healthtalk.ca/parkinsons_gene_011805_37982.php)
January 18, 2005
A single genetic mutation may be responsible for five percent of all inherited Parkinson's disease cases, according to three new studies published Tuesday.
The three studies published in The Lancet point to a mutation in the gene LRRK2 that increases the risk of developing the disease.
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain characterized by shaking and problems with waking, movement, and coordination. The disease is associated with damage to a part of the brain that is involved with movement.
The first study focused on 358 different families with 767 family members diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that 5 percent of the Parkinson's patients carried the LRRK2 gene mutation.
A second study focused on Parkinson's disease patients without a known family history of the disease. The same gene mutation was found in eight of 482 study participants.
In the third study, the gene mutation was identified in four of 61 families with a known history of Parkinson's.
"Finding the same mutation in a single gene accounting for such a large percentage of patients is quite remarkable," said Dr. William C. Nichols, lead researcher of the first study.
Every year, close to 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers hope the new findings will lead to new treatments, and enable health professionals to diagnose Parkinson's earlier.
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So, I just want to say that I love you all right now because I'm most likely going to have this (if I don't die from Heart Disease, Cancer, AIDS, a car accident, a vicious dog bite, hypothermia, food poisoning, "Leaving Las Vegas" syndrome or suicide) - i just want you all to know how I feel.
:rolleyes:
January 18, 2005
A single genetic mutation may be responsible for five percent of all inherited Parkinson's disease cases, according to three new studies published Tuesday.
The three studies published in The Lancet point to a mutation in the gene LRRK2 that increases the risk of developing the disease.
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain characterized by shaking and problems with waking, movement, and coordination. The disease is associated with damage to a part of the brain that is involved with movement.
The first study focused on 358 different families with 767 family members diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that 5 percent of the Parkinson's patients carried the LRRK2 gene mutation.
A second study focused on Parkinson's disease patients without a known family history of the disease. The same gene mutation was found in eight of 482 study participants.
In the third study, the gene mutation was identified in four of 61 families with a known history of Parkinson's.
"Finding the same mutation in a single gene accounting for such a large percentage of patients is quite remarkable," said Dr. William C. Nichols, lead researcher of the first study.
Every year, close to 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers hope the new findings will lead to new treatments, and enable health professionals to diagnose Parkinson's earlier.
_________________________________________________
So, I just want to say that I love you all right now because I'm most likely going to have this (if I don't die from Heart Disease, Cancer, AIDS, a car accident, a vicious dog bite, hypothermia, food poisoning, "Leaving Las Vegas" syndrome or suicide) - i just want you all to know how I feel.
:rolleyes: