Parkinson’s is it hereditary and would I want to find out?

I was reading a post on a Facebook page that I follow for people affected by Parkinson’s and the writer questioned whether Parkinson’s was hereditary. Having had both my parents diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it seems that there must be an element of genetics involved. But, I am not a researcher or a scientist and I feel I have read both sides of the discussion all from learned people, the one saying it does have a genetic component and others saying it doesn’t.

I can only talk about my own experiences. It feels likely that there are some genetic factors but not being a scientist or geneticist, I can’t really say for sure. I know that one of my brother’s has daughters who have my parents and their mother’s mother all having had Parkinson’s and now their aunt! Surely, they would be more at risk than your average person of having Parkinson’s. With an aunt in this generation that feels like it is pointing towards some hereditary factor.

I have always been someone who has had a number of health conditions to contend with. I have also always said it is easier to cope with something when you know what it is and can then get appropriate support. Because of my parents’ history I always said to my husband that I would be the one to get Parkinson’s if anyone did and he was surprised when I was diagnosed! He asked me how I knew and I responded that somehow, I always knew I would inherit ‘the family curse’.

So, when symptoms started to occur, I pretty quickly went to my GP and insisted he refer me to a Neurologist, which he reluctantly did. I have met other people that waited years while symptoms increased and became more obvious before seeking a diagnosis. I sought a diagnosis after about 3-6 months maximum because of my experience with my parents.

I think, however, that if I did not have any symptoms myself, even with both parents having had the diagnosis, I would have been likely to let life takes it’s course and would not want to have genetic testing. To me, with no symptoms the mere fact of getting tested might have had the effect of me constantly being on the alert for any symptoms to appear.

To test or not to test is a very personal question and a decision that may not be easy to make.

For some, it may bring relief that they have a diagnosis to work with.

For others, the opposite may be true and to live their lives without waiting for the hammer to fall and a diagnosis being made. A no news is good news kind of thing!

Here is a podcast on the topic, with a few extra thoughts.