Hi, Everyone this is Precious44(Kathy) My question is, is there a test to see if you have passed the gene on to your children?

[Precious44]

[PatV]

Yes. DnA testing can be done by dr. Or you can have it done free for research by 23andme.com. Don't know if it's free for kids. But at least you'll know if you have hereditary kind.

[fishinggirl in reply to PatV]

I had the test through 23andMe and I don't have the most popular gene that they think is responsible for about 20% or so cases of PD. But I sure do have Parkinson's.

[froggatt55]

I didn't know of these tests PatIV / Precious44 but I am reminded of a very salient point made by Roger Barker of Cambridge Uk - who to me is the best Neurologist I have heard /seen - that if we can do nothing about the results of such tests (he wasn't speaking of the inherited PD which is extremely rare) why burden the person(s) with the information?

Of course, as Research continues, this situation can change and testing would be worthwhile

[shetawk in reply to froggatt55]

I agree with you.

Facing the certainty of impending PD is rather gloomy for parents as well as children. There's no guarantee that children will dodge the bullet if DNA results are negative.

[Precious44 in reply to froggatt55]

froggatt55, I think a test would also be helpful with research and just because I find out this information who's to say I would burden my children with the answer. I am 68 and my "children" are 50, 47 and 39. You see my mother was adopted and my father left when I was a baby, so I have no medical history. So it would answer questions for me.

[shetawk in reply to Precious44]

For what it's worth...my DNA results showed average likelihood of PD, no family history of PD... and here I am.

I was 68 when diagnosed and it devastated me to have to stop working, driving and to think of my future disability.

Do you definitely know you carry one of the PD genes?

If you think it will help you to feel better, go for it. 23andme.com free for you and well worth it.

[froggatt55]

I will consult my contacts about these tests

[froggatt55]

I can understand where you are coming from Precious44

[Hikoi]

Precious I think it would be your children who would need testing. If you are tested it will just tell you your genetic makeup but not what your children have inherited from you if you follow my meaning. I'm not sure if it would answer your own personal health questions either but you might find it helpful to ask your doctor about that.

Do you know about 23andMe which is free for people with parkinsons and is one way you can contribute to research.

[Precious44]

Hikoi I want to know if I inherited it from my family... because of my mothers adoption and not knowing either parents back ground of medical history. I was diagnosed about 3years ago, so I was about 65 maybe 64 but some where it there. I won't be able to do any thing with the information, I'm just the curious kind. My mother never wanted to know who her real parents where. After she died, again I being the curious one, I went on line and with many hours of research and many different leads I finally found out the names of my real grandparents. I have done nothing with this information, I just needed to know for me. I will check out 23andme. Thank for that information.

I have only been on this site for a week and I have gotten so much information, and kind, gentle, understand words. Thank you everyone.

Hugs, Hugs,Hugs

Precious44

[fishinggirl in reply to Precious44]

The blood test and the web site will give you lots of information, not just PD.

[Hikoi]

YesI understand Precious. I don 't know if genetic testing will answer that question for you. Its not that clear i don't think.

I do understand your curiosity though.

[debbie66]

My husband has PD and his grandad had it ,we queried genetics and was told that only about 5% of people diagnosed with PD was genetic ,not sure how far this is true, as my great uncle has PD ,so did my grandad and now my dad is showing symptoms .

[Precious44]

Thanks everyone for you input. Shetawk I checked that web site you told me about and nothing was free it was $350.00 that's what I saw anyway. The truth is it doesn't matter to if it's genetic or not, bottom line I have it and have to do the best I can living with it. I am taking 1 day at a time and not worrying about tomorrow, it one of the things I learned in Al-A-Non also this prayer may help somebody too, it sure helps me

God grant me the serenity

To accept the thing I cannot change

Courage to change the things I can

And the wisdom to know the difference

This prayer has gotten me through some really bad times in my life, there were times when it was 5 minutes at a time. I went to our local Hospital to day and volunteered to be a volunteer. I told her that I have Parkinson's and I can't right, but I'm really good on the computer. I'm not sure how it went couldn't really get a vibe from her. Like I said that's tomorrow and how ever it comes out is the way it's going to be. They may not want a woman with shaky hands, a wobbly head, so on. She did say something that will cost me money. No Birkenstocks, has to be closed shoes, okay I haven't worn a pair of closed shoes in years, like 3 or 4, also she said no jeans, that's all I have in my closet . So if it's a go and I am going to be working there I have to spend some cash first, and it's a volunteer job. We'll see what happens.

Have a Great evening everyone

Hugs,Hugs,Hugs

Precious

[shetawk in reply to Precious44]

This is where the info on free PD patient's testing is: 23andme.com/pd/ also: 23andme.com/pd/codereq/

It used to be on the first page.

[fishinggirl in reply to shetawk]

I had to pay $25 for my test a couple of years ago

[PatV]

Mine was free. I'm happy it's not the genetic type but not so happy we don't know the cause and we don't have a cure! Let's get busy!

[Precious44]

I found the site for the free test and have ordered it. It was completely free shipping and all. Maybe I'll find out what my heritage is also, since my mom was adopted and my father left when I was a baby. It would be kind off nice to know.

Thanks all and Have a wonderful and safe holiday week-end.. I read that there are more traffic deaths on this week end than in the whole year. So, be very carful if you are going to be on the roads.

Hugs, Hugs, Hugs

Precious44

[oldskool49]

I am the only one in my family. And from the info that I have been given by the 2 PD Specialist's is that PD is not passed through familly.

[Court]

I also needed to know whether I had the gene that could be passed on to my children I took the test with 23 and Me which is free if you live in the UK. The results cover a wide range of illnesses and take quite a long time to digest. I am not sure that this test will answer all your questions, but the results do make interesting reading. I found it worthwhile as I do not have the rogue gene.