Tier 3: At the Edge
Although there are no actual “causes” for Parkinson’s, there have been some groups that seem to be more susceptible than others.
1. Advanced age – Although there is the occasional case of the disease being developed as a young adult (like my mother), it generally manifests itself in the middle to late years of life. The risk continues to increase the older one gets. Some researchers assume that people with Parkinson’s have neural damage from genetic or environmental factors that get worse as they age.
2. Being male – Males are more likely to get Parkinson’s than females. Possible reasons for this may be that males have greater exposure to other risk factors such as toxin exposure or head trauma. It has been theorized that oestrogen may have neuro-protective effects. Or, in the case of genetic predisposition, a gene predisposing someone to Parkinson’s may be linked to the X chromosome.
3. Family history – Having one or more close relatives with the disease increases the likelihood that you will get it, but to a minimal degree. This lends support to the idea that there is a genetic link in developing Parkinson’s. Hence my risk seems to be high!
4. Declining oestrogen levels – Post menopausal who do not use hormone replacement therapy are at greater risk, as are those who have had hysterectomies.
5. Toxic exposure – Exposure to an environmental toxin such as a pesticide or herbicide puts you at greater risk. Some of these toxins inhibit dopamine production and promote free radical damage. Those involved in farming and are therefore exposed to such toxins have a greater prevalence of Parkinson’s symptoms.
