Researchers have combined data analysis with genomic techniques and found six new genetic risk factors for Parkinson’s disease.
Data from over 18,000 patients allowed the scientists to find common variants in the genetic codes of the individuals.
The results suggest that the more variants a person has, the greater the risk they have for developing Parkinson’s disease. The risk can be up to three times higher.
Understanding the genetic risk factors can help lead to new and more effective treatments as well as providing a better genetic picture of the disorder. Further research is needed to better determine the roles of the variants identified in this study.
Read more at National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke