Parkinson's Parkinson's Genetics and Risk Factors

Question 1

Which gene mutation is the most common known genetic cause of familial Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

LRRK2

Answer

LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) mutations, particularly G2019S, are the most frequently identified genetic cause of familial Parkinson's disease worldwide.

Question 2

Approximately what percentage of Parkinson's disease cases are estimated to be monogenic, caused by a single identifiable gene mutation?

Accepted Answer

About 10-15%

Answer

Roughly 10-15% of Parkinson's cases have a clear monogenic (single-gene) cause, while the majority are idiopathic with complex multifactorial contributions.

Question 3

Which environmental exposure has the strongest epidemiological evidence as a risk factor for Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Pesticide exposure

Answer

Epidemiological studies consistently link pesticide exposure (particularly paraquat and rotenone) to a significantly increased risk of Parkinson's disease.

Question 4

Which of the following is associated with a REDUCED risk of developing Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Caffeine consumption

Answer

Multiple large studies have found that regular caffeine consumption is inversely associated with Parkinson's disease risk, suggesting a neuroprotective effect.

Question 5

The SNCA gene encodes which protein that aggregates in Lewy bodies, a hallmark of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-synuclein

Answer

SNCA encodes alpha-synuclein, a presynaptic protein that misfolds and aggregates into Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Parkinson's Genetics and Risk Factors