Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?

The risk of inheriting Parkinson's disease is rare and is the cause of about 15 percent of actual Parkinson's cases, according to Genetics Home Reference. Variations and mutations of some genes have the potential to result in Parkinson's disease, including PARK2, PARK7, PINK1, LRRK2 and SNCA.

A familial history of genetic abnormalities often causes the development of young-onset Parkinson's disease, according to WebMD. Exposure to environmental toxins, being a male and old age increase the risk of developing the disease much later in life. Research also points to the presence of protein deposits found on dying brain cells as a potential cause of Parkinson's disease, as detailed by Mayo Clinic.