The genetics of Parkinson's disease

Since the first description of Parkinson's disease in 1877 there have been numerous attempts to clarify the relative contribution of hereditary and en vironmental factors in its aetiology, Epidemiological and case-control stud ies as well as the existence of families with monogenic Parkinson's disease point clearly to a genetic contribution. Insights into the genetic basis o f Parkinson's disease will lead to a greater understanding of the condition at a molecular level which will in turn allow the development of new ratio nal therapeutic option. Curr Opin Neurol 12:427-432. (C) 1999 Lippincott Wi lliams & Wilkins.