Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The most prominent signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease occur when nerve cells in the basal ganglia, an area of the brain that controls movement, become impaired and/or die. Scientists still do not know what causes the neurons to die.
While genetics is thought to play a role in Parkinson’s, in most cases the disease does not seem to run in families. However, some cases of Parkinson’s appear to be hereditary, and a small percentage can be traced to specific genetic variants. Many researchers now believe that Parkinson’s usually results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins.
Learn more about the causes of Parkinson’s disease.
