World Parkinson's Day 2024: Can genetic testing anticipate the risk of the degenerative brain condition?

Parkinson's Disease: Genetics, Testing, and What it Means for You

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex brain condition that causes movement problems that worsen over time. While doctors diagnose it based on symptoms and examinations, the cause likely involves a combination of genes and environment.

Genetic testing can identify mutations linked to PD, but it's important to understand its limitations, according to Dr. Richa Singh, a neurology consultant. Having a genetic risk factor doesn't guarantee you'll get PD, and not having one doesn't mean you're in the clear. Genetic testing isn't routinely done because it can't definitively diagnose or rule out PD.

In rare cases, a single gene mutation might be the cause, especially for younger people or those with a family history. But even then, the chance of developing PD remains uncertain. Genetic test results can be complex and require expert interpretation from a genetic counselor.

For people with no symptoms but a family history of PD, a genetic test might show a slightly increased risk. However, there's no way to predict who will develop the disease, and no preventive treatments exist. Knowing your genetic makeup doesn't necessarily predict your health in the future.

If you're concerned about PD, talk to your doctor. Genetic testing might be an option, but only with thorough genetic counseling before and after. This counseling will help you understand the results, their limitations, and the complexities of genetic risk assessment for PD.

In short, while genetic testing can identify potential risk factors for PD, it has limited ability to predict your individual chance of developing the disease.

April 20, 2024 12:29 a.m. 128

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