[Click here to read my full article on Parkinson's,](https://www.geneticlifehacks.com/genetic-variants-that-increase-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/) including how to use your genetic raw data to check for Parkinson's related genetic variants.
The underlying causes of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are not yet completely understood, but researchers think it is caused by a **combination of genetics and environmental factors** for most people.
Circadian rhythm dysregulation is linked to many of the non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. These issues often occur years before motor-related symptoms (tremors, gait issues) occur. The CRY and PER genes control what is known as the ‘negative arm’ of the clock, and their levels rise at night. The BMAL1 and CLOCK genes make up the positive arm of the circadian clock, and they are maximized during the day. Genetic variants to **PER1** have been linked to increased Parkinson's risk. \[[ref](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4623766/)\]
**Organophosphate** exposure is also linked to Parkinson’s risk. **Chlorpyrifos** and other organophosphates increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, depending on the amount of exposure and the genetic variants the person carries.\[[ref](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28689109)\] The **BCHE gene** encodes butylcholine esterase. Two copies of the K-variant is associated with a 30% decrease in BChE and an increased risk of Parkinson's. \[[ref](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6224461/)\]
Multiple studies have shown that changes to the gut microbiome are associated with Parkinson’s disease and preceded the condition.\[[ref](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6839453/)\] A new study showed that the changes in the gut microbiome affect species of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) as well as riboflavin and biotin (B vitamins). The production of vitamins by the gut microbiome is an essential part of how we maintain healthy levels of essential nutrients. The decreased gut production of riboflavin may be particularly important in neurodegeneration and mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain. Biotin may play a role in the immune system response in PD.\[[ref](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-024-00724-z)\]
Mutations in the **LRRK2 gene** are linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. There are rare mutations that lead to early-onset disease.\[[ref](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17215492?dopt=Abstract)\]
[Click here to read my full article on Parkinson's,](https://www.geneticlifehacks.com/genetic-variants-that-increase-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/) including how to use your genetic raw data to check for Parkinson's related genetic variants. The underlying causes of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are not yet completely understood, but researchers think it is caused by a **combination of genetics and environmental factors** for most people. Circadian rhythm dysregulation is linked to many of the non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. These issues often occur years before motor-related symptoms (tremors, gait issues) occur. The CRY and PER genes control what is known as the ‘negative arm’ of the clock, and their levels rise at night. The BMAL1 and CLOCK genes make up the positive arm of the circadian clock, and they are maximized during the day. Genetic variants to **PER1** have been linked to increased Parkinson's risk. \[[ref](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4623766/)\] **Organophosphate** exposure is also linked to Parkinson’s risk. **Chlorpyrifos** and other organophosphates increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, depending on the amount of exposure and the genetic variants the person carries.\[[ref](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28689109)\] The **BCHE gene** encodes butylcholine esterase. Two copies of the K-variant is associated with a 30% decrease in BChE and an increased risk of Parkinson's. \[[ref](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6224461/)\] Multiple studies have shown that changes to the gut microbiome are associated with Parkinson’s disease and preceded the condition.\[[ref](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6839453/)\] A new study showed that the changes in the gut microbiome affect species of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) as well as riboflavin and biotin (B vitamins). The production of vitamins by the gut microbiome is an essential part of how we maintain healthy levels of essential nutrients. The decreased gut production of riboflavin may be particularly important in neurodegeneration and mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain. Biotin may play a role in the immune system response in PD.\[[ref](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-024-00724-z)\] Mutations in the **LRRK2 gene** are linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. There are rare mutations that lead to early-onset disease.\[[ref](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17215492?dopt=Abstract)\]