The Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Connection to Parkinson’s Disease

SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

Guest

By The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Do you know anyone who has Parkinson’s disease (PD)? It’s likely – the neurodegenerative disease affects one in 100 people over the age of 60, and more than 5 million people worldwide. Today, medicines exist to alleviate motor symptoms of the disease, but currently there are no treatments that can slow or stop its progression.

Researchers believe Parkinson’s results from a combination of both genetic and environmental factors, and, in recent years, scientists have discovered a number of genetic mutations associated with Parkinson’s. In about one percent of PD cases, the disease can be linked to a mutation in a gene called LRRK2.

While that may sound like a small number, the percentage is much higher in certain populations. In the Ashkenazi Jewish population, the mutation is responsible for 15 to 20 percent of PD cases. It is important to note that not everyone with a LRRK2 mutation will go on to develop Parkinson’s. But researchers believe that learning more about the genetics of Parkinson’s by studying those with and without the disease can help drive progress toward new treatments for everyone with PD.

A global study called the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) launched efforts earlier this year to learn more about the genetics of PD. Families that carry a LRRK2 mutation have a vital role to play in this study, and there’s an easy way to be involved. The study is seeking volunteers to complete a brief survey to determine if they may be eligible to receive genetic counseling and testing of the LRRK2 gene at no cost. PPMI is looking for the following people to participate in the study:

• People with Parkinson’s disease who are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
• People who do not have Parkinson’s but are related to someone who does have PDAND who are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

Over the past decade, studies of the genetics of Parkinson’s disease have revolutionized the pursuit of a therapy that can slow or stop the progression of PD. Studying people with Parkinson’s and their families is essential to help researchers identify genetic traits that may contribute to PD. Taking the PPMI genetics survey or sharing it with family and friends makes you a critical partner in this mission. Visit michaeljfox.org/ppmi/genetics to get started today.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, founded in 2000 by actor Michael J. Fox,  is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today.