Neurogenetics in Parkinson's disease

The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, remains obscure. 20% of cases are familial. The disorder may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some monogenic forms of Parkinson's disease have been described. Many genetic studies explore whether a candidate gene may confer an increased risk for this disease. The search for a genetic susceptibility may lead to establish a preventive therapy.