I got my mom's dna results back from 23andme, from her participation in the Parkinson's genome study.

My mom does NOT share any direct genetic known heritability patterns - the Park genes associated with direct genetic inheritance, or early Parkinson's inheritance. She does share an unestablished common genome disruption with other Parkinson's patients, based only on 23andme's study, but her level of gene disruption is on the low end, and only associated with a low level of vulnerability. So basically what this means is that my mom's Parkinson's does not fall into the 'heritability' category of neurologic disfunction.

I'm going to write more about this tomorrow. In the meantime, 23andme has sent me a coupon offering $50 off their genetic testing service. If anyone wants to use it, pm me privately, and I'll give you the code.

I'm taking deep breaths, and feeling grateful tonight. I'm also having some wine. I'll write more tomorrow.

Wow, that's got to be a relief.

I know for my dad, who is a diabetic stroke victim (and near vegetable for over 4 years now), I fear following in his footsteps. Great motivation for me to eat better and take care of myself, since his were in large part lifestyle choices.

Interesting stuff. Glad it gives you a little piece of mind, esp. with what you're going through.

So glad for you, Matilda. That must be a relief.

I'm glad you got such good news. Thanks for sharing with us.

Thanks everyone. I am still not exactly clear what the variant she has means, but I am looking into it. Also, I've decided to be tested as well (although it's not free for those of us not diagnosed with Parkinson's!). As usual, I was imagining the worst case scenerio, i.e. that her report would come back as positive for the most established, hereditary marker. I REALLY need to work on my worry issues!

Twynn - so sorry to hear about your dad. It sounds like you are doing everything you can in terms of lifestyle choices to avoid the same fate.