PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS

14th April 2011 - New research

DO BOTH TWINS GET PARKINSON'S DISEASE ?

Neurobiology of Aging [2011] Apr 9. [Epub ahead of print] (Wirdefeldt K, Gatz M, Reynolds CA, Prescott CA, Pedersen NL.) Complete abstract

Previous twin studies reported no heritability of Parkinson's Disease. A Swedish study, assessed nearly 500,000 people. Amongst them were over 500 twins with Parkinson's Disease. The percentage of twins that both had Parkinson's Disease was 11% for monozygotic twins (identical twins) and only 4% for same-sexed dizygotic twins (twins that are not identical). When this was expanded to assess the coincidence of Parkinson's Disease or Parkinsonism the percentage of twins that both had Parkinson's Disease or Parkinsonism was 13% for monozygotic twins (identical twins) and only 5% for same-sexed dizygotic twins (twins that are not identical).

The authors conclude that Parkinson's Disease is mildly heritable. However, the authors do not appear to have taken account of the twins having the same environment, dietary habits and medical treatments. These considerations could possibly nullify the level of coincidence of Parkinson's Disease found amongst twins, and thereby make the study consistent with previous studies suggesting a lack of heritability in Parkinson's Disease. For more current news go to Parkinson's Disease News.

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Parkinson's Disease News details all significant new research, news reports, new books, and new resources concerning Parkinson's Disease and those medical disorders that often coincide with Parkinson's Disease. It is compiled from an analysis of  all newly published research, news reports, new clinical trials, all newly published books, and new web sites. A summary and analysis of the new research are provided,  as well as links to the complete abstracts and news reports