Discuss the etiology and pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD)


The etiology of PD remains unclear, but proposed contributing factors include genetics, environmental toxins, prions (protein malformations), oxidative stress, imbalance of neurotransmitters leading to excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of ability to reproduce dopamine-producing cells (including the loss that occurs with aging), abnormal inflammatory response within certain cells of the brain, improper response to dopamine within the brain, and increased rate of cell death. Twin and family studies indicate that genetics may certainly contribute to early-onset Parkinson's, but genetic testing is not currently routine and is used only in research settings. Over 16 mutations have been noted on multiple chromosomes that are linked to PD.

Nutritional Science

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