Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease are disorders that damage the brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis develops when your immune system destroys nerve cells.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain.
Continue reading to learn about the similarities and differences between these two conditions and if there is a relationship between them.
Parkinson’s Disease vs. Multiple Sclerosis Causes
The specific causation of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease is unknown, and scientists are currently attempting to determine whether they are connected.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
You develop multiple sclerosis when your immune system destroys myelin cells in your brain and spinal cord. These cells establish a protective covering around your nerves and speed up the transmission of electrical information.
Nerve inflammation occurs when your immune system assaults myelin. Repeated strikes might cause lasting nerve damage over time.
Although it is still unknown why some individuals acquire multiple sclerosis, various risk factors have been identified:
- Genetics: People who have a sibling or parent who has multiple sclerosis have a 2 to 3 percent probability of having MS themselves.
- Obesity in adolescents: Obesity in adolescence increases the likelihood of having multiple sclerosis later in life.
- Biological sex: Women are around two to three times as likely as males to acquire multiple sclerosis.
- Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus: Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, is considered to activate immunological activation in certain individuals, leading to multiple sclerosis.
- Smoking: Smoking raises your chances of getting multiple sclerosis.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Multiple sclerosis is more common in countries with less sunshine.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates several bodily functions, including movement coordination.
Parkinson’s disease is considered to be caused by a mix of hereditary and environmental factors:
- Genetics: Genetics are considered to be responsible for 10 to 15% of Parkinson’s cases.
- Chemical toxicity: Certain chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, are suspected of contributing to Parkinson’s disease development.
- Age: Parkinson’s disease frequently develops as people become older.
- Occupation: Some jobs, such as welders and farmers, may put people at a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, but further study is required.
Is There a Connection Between Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis?
The likelihood of acquiring both multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease is