Background: Parkinson's disease, PD, is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. A genetic component in Parkinson's disease was long thought to be unlikely, but recent genetic studies have identified several genes associated with the disease.
Material and methods: A review of the literature and personal experiences from genetic studies in central Norway are presented.
Results: Nine loci on the human genome have been linked to Parkinson's disease. Mutations in the alfa-synuclein, parkin, DJ-1, and arguably UCH-L1 genes are identified for familial PD. Recently a locus on chromosome 1 was linked to common late-onset PD in the Icelandic population. Iceland's population is primarily of Norse descent. This locus may be of significant importance to Norwegian PD patients.
Interpretation: The genes and loci identified have improved our understanding of the pathogenesis in PD significantly. This knowledge may help to create new treatment strategies for PD.