Different mutations in single gene suggest Parkinson's is primarily an inherited genetic disorder

Two new international studies by researchers at the Mayo Clinic site in Florida are rounding out the notion that Parkinson’s disease is largely caused by inherited genetic mutations that pass through scores of related generations over hundreds, if not thousands of years. These genetic influences, which can be small but additive, or large and causative, overturn common beliefs that the neurodegenerative disease mostly occurs in a random fashion or is due to undetermined environmental factors.