Introduction
Parkinson's disease is caused by a deterioration of nerve cells or progressive impairment in the substantia nigra, which is an area in your brain. Nerve cells in the brain produce the chemical messenger dopamine. Dopamine allows communication between the substantia nigra and the corpus striatum, which is another area of the brain. This communication is vital, because it coordinates balanced muscle movement in your body. When your brain receives a lack of dopamine, you lose the ability to control your bodily movements. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but researchers and scientists believe there could be genetic or environmental factors.
Genetics
According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, there have been links to genetic abnormalities that Parkinson's disease is passed on from parent to child. The Parkinson's Disease Society have found nine genes that relate to Parkinson's disease. One of these genes is called parkin, and has been associated with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD). According to their study, 1 in 20 people who are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease are under the age of 40. If the parkin gene mutates, you lose normal function of protein, and this leads to the death of nerve cells in your brain.
Environmental
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, there is evidence supporting the fact that toxins may cause Parkinson's disease. Their studies have shown that internal and external toxins destroy the dopamine in your brain. These toxins include carbon disulfide, carbon monoxide, manganese and some pesticides. These toxins produce oxidative stress in your body, and this causes free radicals to react with other molecules. The body is supposed to get rid of the free radicals. In Parkinson's disease, the body produces too many free radicals and they damage the nerve cells in your brain.
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