Is There a Genetic Link Between Melanoma and Parkinson’s disease?

Posted by dermcareonline on January 21, 2010 under Parkinson's Disease, Skin Cancer, melanoma |

A recent study at Harvard University found that people with a family history of melanoma are twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, suggesting a genetic link. Initially, they found that patients taking levodopa, a drug for Parkinson’s disease, were more suseptible to melanoma, and thought that the risk was associated with the medication itself. However, they then discovered that people with melanoma were at higher risk for developing Parkinson’s.

The cause of this association is still unclear, and a genetic link has yet to be discovered.  If you or a family member have Parkinson’s disease, remember to get a yearly skin screening from your doctor, as well as self examinations.