DNA Testing

[Dee1980]

I did a DNA test for my PD dad back in February (around the time he had worsening dementia) and got the results back recently. There's a section on neurotransmitters, ie dopamine, norepinephrine etc and shows he has risks with Parkinsons.

Not sure how accurate these tests are, obviously no idea what risk genes are even tuned up (or down) was just wondering if anyone has done the same. It's quite interesting to see things like he possibly has converted dopamine to norepinephrine too rapidly all his life, or that MAO is already possibly tuned down, or that like a lot of PWP he has a risk of low methionine.

Makes me wonder if some people aren't just right for standard medication, as he isn't doing well at all on dopamine.

[Ajssister]

Hi Dee. May I ask where you had his DNA tested? Was it a website? Just curious. Thx

[Dee1980 in reply to Ajssister]

I went with MTHFR Genetics, it takes 8-10 weeks. Oddly enough he does have the MTHFR gene as well.

[Cbgs]

I had my DNA tested thru Indiana university

I'm now part of the PPMI research program

They link my PD with being of Ashkenazi Jewish decent

Re: ur dad not responding to dopamine ... it's my understanding that if a patient doesn't respond to the Meds, the perhaps PD is not the correct diagnosis

Be well,

C!

[Dee1980 in reply to Cbgs]

They've doubled his dopamine dose. I'm not sure what we're meant to be looking for with a response. He's still bent over, dizzy, unstable, hand tremour and bladder issues. I'm worried it'll crash his serotonin and we'll be dealing with depression too.

[Cbgs in reply to Dee1980]

you should see him be free of his symptoms if the meds are working .

what are his scripts & dosages?

[Dee1980 in reply to Cbgs]

Co-Beneldopa 50mg three times a day (from today six times a day)

Pramipexole x2 1.05mg dopamine agonist

Rasagaline (not sure dosage) MAO inhibiter

[Cbgs]

That dose of 50mg 6/day is actually low... although the typical dose for newbies... when was he diagnosed?

Has he ever had any relief when taking meds?

[Dee1980]

Yeah I did wonder if it was just a low dose and not taking up the slack. He was diagnosed about ten years ago I think, though the hand tremour started after he had a stent in 2005. I think the Kemadrin (anticholinergic) helped a fair bit with stiffness and tremour, he's definitely worse physically off it. No idea if the pramipexole and rasagaline are doing anything.

I guess we'll have to wait and see if he picks up.