Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which affects millions of people worldwide.

Although Parkinson’s disease is not fatal, it can reduce the lifespan of affected individuals.

The average life expectancy of individuals with Parkinson’s disease is around 7-15 years lower than those without the disease.

Parkinson’s disease life expectancy may vary depending on several factors, including age at onset, gender, severity of symptoms, and genetic factors. This article will discuss the genetic factors that affect Parkinson’s disease life expectancy.

Genetic Factors Affecting Parkinson’s Disease Life Expectancy

Several genes have been identified that contribute to the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Some of these genes are linked to early-onset Parkinson’s disease, which usually develops before the age of 50, while others are associated with late-onset Parkinson’s disease, which develops after the age of 50. The genetic factors that affect Parkinson’s disease life expectancy are as follows:.

GBA Gene

The GBA gene (glucocerebrosidase gene) is one of the genes associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Mutations in this gene cause Gaucher disease, a lysosomal storage disorder that affects the breakdown of fatty substances in cells.

Studies have shown that individuals with Parkinson’s disease who carry GBA mutations have a more aggressive form of the disease and a shorter life expectancy.

LRRK2 Gene

The LRRK2 gene (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 gene) is the most common genetic cause of Parkinson’s disease. Mutations in this gene increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, especially in people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.

Studies have also shown that individuals with Parkinson’s disease who carry LRRK2 mutations have a more severe form of the disease and a shorter life expectancy.

PARK2 Gene

The PARK2 gene (parkin gene) is associated with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Mutations in this gene are rare but can cause Parkinson’s disease in some individuals.

Studies have shown that individuals with Parkinson’s disease who carry PARK2 mutations have a slower disease progression and a longer life expectancy.

PINK1 Gene

The PINK1 gene (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 gene) is another gene associated with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Mutations in this gene impair mitochondrial function, leading to cell death.

Studies have shown that individuals with Parkinson’s disease who carry PINK1 mutations have a slower disease progression and a longer life expectancy.

DJ1 Gene

The DJ1 gene (Parkinson disease protein 7) is associated with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Mutations in this gene impair the function of a protein that protects cells from oxidative stress.

Studies have shown that individuals with Parkinson’s disease who carry DJ1 mutations have a more aggressive form of the disease and a shorter life expectancy.

SNCA Gene

The SNCA gene (alpha-synuclein gene) is associated with both familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson’s disease. Mutations in this gene cause the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein in the brain, leading to neurodegeneration.

Studies have shown that individuals with Parkinson’s disease who carry SNCA mutations have a more severe form of the disease and a shorter life expectancy.

GCH1 Gene

The GCH1 gene (GTP cyclohydrolase 1 gene) is associated with both Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. Mutations in this gene impair the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is deficient in Parkinson’s disease.

Studies have shown that individuals with Parkinson’s disease who carry GCH1 mutations have a slower disease progression and a longer life expectancy.

PARK7 Gene

The PARK7 gene (Parkinson disease protein 7) is associated with both early-onset and late-onset Parkinson’s disease. Mutations in this gene impair the function of a protein that protects cells from oxidative stress.

Studies have shown that individuals with Parkinson’s disease who carry PARK7 mutations have a more aggressive form of the disease and a shorter life expectancy.

CYP2D6 Gene

The CYP2D6 gene (cytochrome P450 2D6 gene) is associated with the metabolism of levodopa, a medication commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Variations in this gene can affect the effectiveness of levodopa, leading to differences in disease progression and life expectancy.

Conclusion

The genetic factors that affect Parkinson’s disease life expectancy are complex and involve multiple genes.

While some genetic mutations may lead to a more aggressive form of the disease and a shorter life expectancy, others may lead to a slower disease progression and a longer life expectancy. Understanding the genetic factors that influence Parkinson’s disease life expectancy can aid in the development of personalized treatment strategies and better prediction of disease outcomes.