GENES LINKED TO PARKINSONS

The first known gene that is linked is the alpha-synuclein. Scientists discovered that people with the sporadic form of Parkinson's contain clumps of alpha-synuclein proteins. This discovery formed a link between the hereditary and sporadic types of this disease.

Other genes linked to Parkinson's are PARK2, PARK7, and PINK1. These three genes cause early onset of the disease which are rare.

The last gene discovered was the LRRK2 gene which is common in people that are in North Africa.