Familial Parkinson’s Disease/Parkinsonism

International audienceParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by parkinsonism (bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, and postural instability) with good response to L-dopa. Although the majority of PD patients are sporadic, it is now clear that genetic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of PD. Indeed, PARK 1-20 loci have been identified in typical and atypical parkinsonism. Furthermore, a new causative gene for PD was identified in Japanese families very recently. Knowledge and understanding of these conditions have led to the development of animal models, successful therapies, and novel tools to characterize these clinical conditions and provide better care to patients