Dark Skin Pigment Associated with Lower Risk For Parkinson's Disease

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Dark Skin Pigment Associated with Lower Risk For Parkinson's Disease

TORONTO (April 22, 1999) -- People with dark skin pigment may have a lower risk for Parkinson's disease, according to a study released during the American Academy of Neurology 51st Annual Meeting, April 17-24 in Toronto.

The risk for Parkinson's disease is cut in half for all people with dark skin pigment, according to researchers. In a study of Caucasian and African-American adults, researchers found this protective effect occurring in both groups.

"We may have unlocked a clue to help determine the cause of Parkinson's disease," said neurologist and study author Caroline Tanner, MD, of the Parkinson's Institute in Sunnyvale, CA. "The more information we have about the causes of Parkinson's, the closer we are to finding ways to prevent the disease."

Researchers studied 510 people recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and 540 who did not have the disease. Skin pigment was measured by identifying the amount of melanin in the skin from the underside of each person's arm.

African-Americans with darker skin pigment have a 40 percent lower risk for the disease. Caucasians with darker skin pigment have a 64 percent lower risk for developing Parkinson's.

"It's impossible to determine who will or will not get the disease," said Tanner. "We are simply saying that people with dark skin pigment, from any ethnic background, may have a lower risk for the disease."

Researchers suggest that melanin in the skin may create a protective barrier which prevents Parkinson's-related toxins from entering the brain.

Research was supported by the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The study included researchers from the Parkinson's Institute, Stanford University and research division of Kaiser Permanente of Northern California.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 15,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research.

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Editor's Note: Dr. Tanner will present the study at a platform presentation session during the American Academy of Neurology's 51th Annual Meeting in Toronto on Thursday, April 22, at 4:30 pm in Room 105 of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.