The Connection between Parkinson's and Crohn's

     I came upon an interesting article today. There seems to be new research out about the connection between Parkinson's and Crohn's disease. I, of course, have both. It is prevalent among the Ashkenazi Jews. Below is a link to the original article. The research was conducted at Mount Sinai research center.

     They found the presence of the LRRK2 gene mutation in Parkinson's and Crohn's disease. The LRRK2 gene mutation is associated with Parkinson's disease.These two seemingly unrelated diseases may just have a connection.

     Crohn's disease is a complex disorder with multiple gene mutations as well as environmental factors. Crohn's is found disproportionately among the Ashkenazi Jewish people.

     The study found two mutations of the LRRK2 gene. One is called a risk mutation. One is called a protective mutation. People with the risk mutation came down with Crohn's an average of six years earlier than ones with out this mutation. They also tended to have Crohn's disease in their small intestines, which is harder to treat. Those with the protective mutation were more likely to not have Crohn's. 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180111141608.htm