6. Genetic factors – A Mayo Clinic led international study revealed that the gene alpha-synuclein may play a role in the likelihood of developing the disease. Studies showed that individuals with a more active gene had a 1.5 times greater risk of developing Parkinson’s. These findings support the development of alpha-synuclein suppressing therapies, which may in the long run slow or even halt the disease.
7. Low levels of B vitamin folate – Researchers discovered that mice with a deficiency of this vitamin developed severe Parkinson’s symptoms, while those with normal levels did not.
8.Head Trauma- Recent research points to a link between damage to the head, neck, or upper cervical spine and Parkinson’s. A 2007 study of 60 patients showed that all of them showed evidence of trauma induced upper cervical damage. Some patients remembered a specific incident, others did not. In some cases Parkinson’s symptoms took decades to appear.
Tier 4: Away from the Edge
There is no known way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. Research has shown that people who eat more fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, fish, and omega-3 rich oils (sometimes known as the Mediterranean diet) and who eat less red meat and dairy may have some protection against Parkinson’s. But the reason for this is still being studied. There have been other research that shows caffeine in coffee or green tea as being useful for the prevention of Parkinson’s. However, all these are also not conclusive.
In conclusion, Parkinson’s is a disorder that is rather mysterious. The causes are elusive and there are no actual treatment for the disorder despite advancement in medical technology. Yet, there are many areas that we can help the patient and the family. These methods are similar to how we manage our clinical issues. If there are more effort and care with the patients and their family, the quality of life for the patients and their family can still be rather rich.
