For those of you interested in doing deeper dives on PD genes, you might find this resource interesting www.PDgene.org where you can see publications on gene associations for PD (over 500 genes listed)—this is different than causal genes (although there might be a bit about that in there too)

As it relates to statin use and PD…some epidemiology evidence points to lower association of PD among those who take statins—on top of that there is some evidence in animal models that statins use could be protective (nothing being tested there quite yet in PD – a couple of trials going on in AD—but without positive results thus far) However, MJFF is supporting work looking at statins to reduce dyskinesias.

One final thought on SSRI use and PD…it might be important to tease out the difference between assuming that drug use “causes” PD as opposed to exploring whether the underlying need for the drug (ie, depression) is associated or linked to PD…as it happens (and you may already know), depression is thought to precede motor signs of PD for many patients and is commonly co-morbid with PD.

Debi