Whether the disease is hereditary or not is still unknown. 85 to 90 percent of all Parkinson’s cases are classified as idiopathic (the exact cause is unknown) and have no correlation with the genetics. However, in some families, the disease has been common across several generations. This could indicate that certain components of Parkinson’s are genetic. A few research indicate that having a first-degree relative such as a mother, father or sibling with Parkinson’s, increases the risk of getting Parkinson’s twice.

Abnormalities in three genes namely PARK2 (parkin), LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) and Glucocerebrosidase (GBA) have been linked to higher risk of Parkinson’s (PD).