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Is There A Genetic Test For Parkinson’s Disease

What Determines Who Gets Parkinson’s Disease

Ask the MD: Genetic Testing in Parkinson’s Disease

In most cases inheriting a non-working copy of a single gene will not cause someone to develop Parkinson’s disease. We believe that many other complicating factors such as additional genes and environmental factors determine who will get the condition, when they get it and how it affects them. In the families we have studied, some people who inherit the gene develop the condition and others live their entire lives without showing any symptoms. There is a lot of research on genes and the environment that is attempting to understand how all these factors interact.

Genetic Testing in Parkinson’s Disease

Genetic testing has recently become available for the parkin and PINK1 genes. Parkin is a large gene and testing is difficult. At the current stage of understanding, testing is likely to give a meaningful result only for people who develop the condition before the age of 30 years. PINK1 appears to be a rare cause of inherited Parkinson’s disease. A small percentage of those developing the condition at an early age appear to carry mutations in the PINK1 gene. Genetic testing for the PARK7, SNCA and LRRK2 genes is also available.

Additional Resources

When To See A Doctor About Parkinsons

There isnt one specific test to diagnose Parkinsons disease. Doctors will usually evaluate your symptoms and perform several tests to determine if you have the condition. If you notice the following early warning signs, then you should see a doctor.

The early warning signs of Parkinsons disease include:

Genetics And Parkinsons Disease

The symptoms of Parkinsons disease appear to occur when the brain is no longer able to produce enough dopamine. Low dopamine levels in the brain can affect movement. It is not yet clear what role genetic factors may play in this process.

However, experts have identified specific genes in which changes appear to increase the risk of developing Parkinsons disease. The symptoms a person experiences may depend on their specific genetic changes.

Genetic changes can affect how mitochondria work. Mitochondria are the parts of a cell that produce energy. As they do this, they release byproducts commonly known as free radicals. Free radicals can cause cell damage.

Usually, cells can counter free radicals, but genetic changes can stop this from happening, and the free radicals can cause damage to dopamine cells.

Genetic changes can also lead to accumulations of a protein called alpha-synuclein in and around neurons throughout the brain. These accumulations are known as Lewy bodies, and the damage they cause can result in Lewy body dementia, which has links to Parkinsons disease.

Dopamine-producing nerve cells appear to be particularly susceptible to Lewy bodies, and some people develop both Parkinsons disease and Lewy body dementia.

Specific gene changes have specific outcomes. For example, SNCA affects the processing of alpha-synuclein, and PRKN impacts how mitochondria work.

The genetic changes involved in Parkinsons disease can be:

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Genetics Testing And Research

Although there may be no direct benefit to you at the present time, the results of genetic testing can help further Parkinsons research by allowing scientists to better understand the disease and consequently develop new treatments. For example, a mutation in the gene that codes for the protein alpha-synuclein leads to a specific type of familial Parkinsons disease. Although this mutation only accounts for a small percentage of cases, knowledge of this mutation has had broader effects. The study of this genetic mutation led to the discovery that alpha-synuclein clumps together to form Lewy bodies which have been consistently found in the brains of all individuals with Parkinsons disease not just those with the SNCA mutation. Thus, one gene mutation has led to a critical finding in the field of Parkinsons research.

Genetics testing is a very personal decision but a cautionary note: anytime that genetic testing is considered, particularly in a disease condition where there is no change in treatment based on genetic findings, it would be my recommendation to see a genetics counselor to discuss the impact this information will have on you the patient and your family.

Assay And Technical Information

How To Test For Parkinsons

Invitae is a College of American Pathologists -accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments -certified clinical diagnostic laboratory performing full-gene sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis using next-generation sequencing technology .

Our sequence analysis covers clinically important regions of each gene, including coding exons and 10 to 20 base pairs of adjacent intronic sequence on either side of the coding exons in the transcript listed below, depending on the specific gene or test. In addition, the analysis covers select non-coding variants. Any variants that fall outside these regions are not analyzed. Any limitations in the analysis of these genes will be listed on the report. Contact client services with any questions.

Gene

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Linking Familial And Sporadic Forms Of The Disease

Besides identifying several risk loci for sporadic PD, large population-based GWAS and meta-analyses have also established that disease linked common variability exists at loci known to contain rare causal mutations. These include SNCA, LRRK2, GBA and VPS13C, previously associated with Mendelian forms of PD thus, suggesting a link between familial and sporadic forms of disease. These loci harboring both rare large effect and common smaller effect variants are known as pleomorphic risk loci . Therefore, both the CDCV hypothesis and the multiple rare variant hypothesis are not mutually exclusive. Instead, various disease-related genetic mechanisms may coexist at the same locus, each influencing disease through different biological effects on a single gene. For example, SNCA locus has been linked to PD etiology through: duplications and triplications with a clear gene-dose effect coding mutations causing early-onset PD familial cases different association signals in GWAS illustrating the presence of low-effect common variability in this locus and non-coding risk/protective variants .

Current Genetic Testing Practice

The vast majority of participants ordered genetic testingon ten or fewer patients in the 12 months prior to completing the study.Furthermore, most participants reported that only ten or fewer of theirpatients reported undergoing direct-to-consumer testing . Inaddition, participants reported that few of their patients received genetictesting either in research projects that returned results to patients or in research projects that did not returnresults to patients. For either type of study design , more than 80% of clinicians reported ten patients or fewer who hadgenetic testing. In contrast to genetic testing, DNA banking under researchprotocols was more prevalent. Thirty percent of respondents reported banking DNAfor 11 or more patients in the past year . Consistent withresponses citing limited genetic testing and reporting, caring for patients withknown pathogenic variants was rare among survey respondents. Only 5.5% and 4.9%of responders reported providing care to more than ten known LRRK2 or GBApatients, respectively. In total, participants reported providing care for 490known LRRK2 carriers and 402 known GBA carriers. Providing care for patients withknown Parkin , PINK-1 , SNCA , and VPS35 pathogenic variants was anecdotal .

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What Should You Know About At

Genetic tests are not a substitute for a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Most at-home genetic tests do not provide genetic counseling services to help interpret the results. Always consult with a genetic counselor and your doctor before and after taking a genetic test. Most at-home genetic tests check for a limited number of gene mutations associated with Parkinson’s. This can be misleading since these tests may not be comprehensive.

Since scientists are still discovering more PD-associated genes, it is important to consult your doctor about comprehensive genetic testing options, like the PD GENEration study, which provides a free comprehensive genetic test identifying all possible variants in the two most common PD genes.

Even if you or a loved-one test positive for a Parkinson’s gene, it does not mean either of you will develop it. Having a genetic mutation only means that you may be at increased risk to develop PD. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices will help determine whether someone will get Parkinson’s.

Genetic Testing Cannot Tell You If You Will Or Will Not Get Parkinsons

PD GENEration: What We’ve Learned from Parkinson’s Disease Genetic Testing

Parkinson’s is not linked to any single gene mutation that causes disease 100 percent of the time. If you do test positive for a PD-linked mutation, it does not mean you will absolutely get Parkinson’s. There are actions you can take, such as exercise, to lower risk. Conversely, if you test negative for a PD-linked mutation, you may still develop Parkinson’s. Other mutations and factors such as aging and environmental causes also contribute to risk. Science is working to better understand who does get Parkinson’s and why.

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Identification Of New Genes And Risk Factors For Pd

New PD-linked genes or PD risk factors can be identified by gene mapping or candidate gene approaches. Gene mapping in human diseases is the localization of genes underlying the clinical phenotypes of the disease on the basis of correlation with DNA variants , without the need for prior hypotheses about biological function. Genetic mapping methods include linkage analysis and genome-wide association studies. Alternatively, based on their known function, levels of expression, or mode of interaction , some genes can be considered plausible candidates, and as such, tested for in cohorts of patients.

Faqs: Genetics & Parkinsons

If I have Parkinson’s disease will my child get it too? Will I inherit Parkinson’s if my parent or grandparent has it?

Most people with Parkinson’s have no known genetic link. Their children will likely never develop Parkinson’s. There are some known genetic variations that increase the risk of getting Parkinson’s, but most people with these variations do not get Parkinson’s. Like many other diseases, Parkinson’s is a result of a complex interaction between genes and environmental factors.

In a small number of people , Parkinson’s is inherited and can affect multiple family members. Their children may have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s. However, there is no guarantee they will develop PD.

What if my genetic test is positive for a Parkinson’s gene?

Scientists have identified several genetic mutations that can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s. If someone tests positive for a mutation in a Parkinson’s gene, it does not necessarily mean they will develop PD. Some people who have mutations in the genes associated with Parkinson’s never develop PD. A person may inherit a hereditary genetic mutation that increases their risk for Parkinson’s however, they may also inherit other genes, be exposed to environmental factors or have lifestyle choices that offset the risk. Genetic testing is currently available for the following genes related to Parkinson’s: GBA, PARK7, SNCA, LRRK2, parkin and PINK1.

What can I do with my genetic test results?

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What If I Carry The Gene

There are ongoing clinical trials testing therapies to treat people who have Parkinson’s and carry certain gene mutations. Proving that it can be important to know which gene mutation you carry. Consult with your doctor when considering a genetic test to determine if you are eligible to participate in gene-based clinical trials.

The Parkinsons Foundation study, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinsons Disease, is the first national study to offer genetic testing and counseling at no cost for those with a confirmed Parkinsons diagnosis. Learn more and enroll at Parkinson.org/PDGENEration.

*Please note that not all content is available in both languages. If you are interested in receiving Spanish communications, we recommend selecting both” to stay best informed on the Foundation’s work and the latest in PD news.

Other Factors Influencing Parkinson’s Disease Risk

Parkinsons Disease DNA Test  DNA Access Lab

Other factors besides genetics can influence someone’s chances of developing Parkinson’s disease, including:

  • Age: The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease increases as a person ages.
  • Sex: Males have a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease than females.
  • Family history: First-degree relatives of an individual with Parkinson’s disease have a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease.
  • Exposure to certain chemicals increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

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What Doctors Look For When Diagnosing Parkinsons

Certain physical signs and symptoms noticed by the patient or his or her loved ones are usually what prompt a person to see the doctor. These are the symptoms most often noticed by patients or their families:

  • Shaking or tremor: Called resting tremor, a trembling of a hand or foot that happens when the patient is at rest and typically stops when he or she is active or moving

  • Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement in the limbs, face, walking or overall body

  • Rigidity: Stiffness in the arms, legs or trunk

  • Posture instability: Trouble with balance and possible falls

Once the patient is at the doctors office, the physician:

  • Takes a medical history and does a physical examination.

  • Asks about current and past medications. Some medications may cause symptoms that mimic Parkinsons disease.

  • Performs a neurological examination, testing agility, muscle tone, gait and balance.

New Diagnostic Standards For Parkinsons

Until recently, the gold-standard checklist for diagnosis came from the U.K.s Parkinsons Disease Society Brain Bank. It was a checklist that doctors followed to determine if the symptoms they saw fit the disease. But thats now considered outdated. Recently, new criteria from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society have come into use. This list reflects the most current understanding of the condition. It allows doctors to reach a more accurate diagnosis so patients can begin treatment at earlier stages.

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Pd Generation: Mapping The Future Of Parkinsons Disease

As I mentioned before, several companies and organizations offer genetic testing for PD. However, many of them fall short. They are not affordable, not comprehensive, and do not offer genetic counseling after testing. The results dont necessarily contribute to the overall collection of data that helps scientists understand the disease.

Aiming to fill these gaps, the Parkinsons Foundation introduced PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinsons Disease that offers genetic testing for clinically relevant Parkinsons-related genes and genetic counseling for people with PD at no cost to you.

PD GENEration currently examines 12 clinically relevant genetic mutations eight more than other tests available. It will empower you with the information you need to make decisions about your course of treatment.

Your test results will help scientists develop improved treatments and personalized medicine for Parkinsons. It has the potential to be a game-changer in managing the disease.

The Parkinsons Foundation offers PD GENEration at six sites nationwide, with 10 more coming next year participants also have the option of conducting the testing and counseling entirely from home through telehealth innovations.

Some Patients May Not Be Eligible To Take Part In The Free Genetic Testing Program

Genetics & Parkinson’s Disease

To speed up recruitment for a natural history program we are first focusing on patients who have a higher likelihood of testing positive for the mutated gene from the free genetic testing program. If a patient does not meet the criteria now, we will offer to contact them again should we open up the screening program to a wider population of Parkinsonâs patients.

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Single Heterozygous Mutations In Ar

In one sporadic case, pathogenic R275W heterozygous mutation was identified in PRKN gene, and in three sporadic cases, possible damaging substitution were identified in autosomal recessively inherited genes, such as DNAJC6 , CP , and PLA2G6 . Notably, AOO is comparably high as it was seen in case where previously described genetic risk factors were solely presented .

What Are The Benefits Of Genetic Testing

ESCAPE is developing a new therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease caused by a mutation in theLRRK2 gene. It is hoped that this therapy may be able to stop or slow the progression of the disease. Since most people with Parkinsonâs disease have never been tested for LRRK2 mutations, ESCAPE is providing free genetic testing via mail which is an at-home saliva test. If a patient is found to have a mutation in theLRRK2 gene they will be invited to take part in certain clinical studies for patients with Parkinson’s disease and this specific gene mutation.

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The Source Of Obstacles

Next, we asked participants to rank the extent to which differentpotential obstacles keep them from ordering genetic tests for patients with PD. The most common responsewas lack of insurance coverage/cost, followed by the perception that genetictest results would not affect care.

Fig. 1

Responses to the question To whatextent do any of the following keep you from orderinggenetic tests for patients with Parkinson disease inyour clinic? Participants graded each option ona scale from 0 to 100. Orange bars represent the mean grade foreach response, and horizontal black lines represent the standarddeviation. All respondents answered each questionseparately.

Is Early Diagnosis Possible

Genetics and Parkinsons: ask the expert  Parkinsons UK ...

Experts are becoming more aware of symptoms of Parkinsons that precede physical manifestations. Clues to the disease that sometimes show up before motor symptoms and before a formal diagnosis are called prodromal symptoms. These include the loss of sense of smell, a sleep disturbance called REM behavior disorder, ongoing constipation thats not otherwise explained and mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Research into these and other early symptoms holds promise for even more sensitive testing and diagnosis.

For example, biomarker research is trying to answer the question of who gets Parkinsons disease. Researchers hope that once doctors can predict that a person with very early symptoms will eventually get Parkinsons disease, those patients can be appropriately treated. At the very least, these advances could greatly delay progression.

Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center

Our center provides compassionate and timely treatment to patients with movement disorders, such as dystonia, ataxia, essential tremor and similar conditions. But our mission goes beyond patient care excellence. By offering educational events and support groups, we empower patients and caregivers to become better partners in their health.

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