Gene Mutation Linked to Cause of Parkinson's Disease

A change in just one gene may affect the risk of Parkinson’s disease (search). That could lead to genetic testing for Parkinson’s, say scientists.

Parkinson’s usually strikes after age 50, although it’s sometimes seen in people as young as 30. It occurs in more than 1 percent of people age 55 or older and 3 percent of those older than 75. Of the age-related nerve degenerative conditions, only Alzheimer’s disease is more common.