Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease, clinically referred to as parkinsonism, is a chronic neurodegenerative movement disorder. Its main symptoms are tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowing down of movement) and problem with balance. The disease is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells responsible for the production of dopamine in the brain.

Parkinson's disease and genomes

Recent studies have focused on the link between genetics and Parkinson's disease. The results of these studies suggest that there are different motor subtypes of the disease, which may be associated with different changes in a person's genetic material.

One of the most common genetic risk factors associated with Parkinson's disease is a mutation in the LRRK2 gene. Studies show that people with this mutation have a higher risk of developing the disease. This mutation can affect the production or function of proteins associated with the nervous system, which contributes to the neurodegeneration characteristic of Parkinson's disease.

Motor subtypes of Parkinson's disease

New research suggests that there are different motor subtypes of Parkinson's disease that can be identified based on the characteristics of patients' motor symptoms.

One subtype, called tremor-dominant, is characterized by dominant tremor as the main symptom. Patients have relatively minor problems with rigidity and bradykinesia, but often experience significant difficulty with tremor control. It is this subtype that is most common among patients with Parkinson's disease.

Another subtype called postural-instability is mainly characterized by problems with balance and posture. Patients with this subtype often fall because of difficulties in maintaining body stability.

Another subtype, known as akinetic-rigid, manifests with excessive muscle stiffness and difficulty making smooth movements. Patients with this subtype tend to have stiffness and muscle stiffness, making daily activities difficult.

The last subtype of Parkinson's disease, called non-classical, is characterized by a mixture of different motor symptoms that do not fit into any of the above subtypes. Patients with this subtype may experience atypical motor symptoms or their symptoms may be less pronounced.

Conclusions

Research into the genetics of Parkinson's disease makes it possible to more precisely identify the various motor subtypes of the disease. Identification of subtypes based on genetic mutations may lead to better diagnosis and personalized treatment. However, further research is needed to accurately understand the relationships between genes and Parkinson's disease subtypes so that effective therapies can be developed.