-While most cases of PD are sporadic (occurring randomly), a small percentage (around 5-10%) are believed to have a genetic component. Several genes have been implicated in familial forms of PD, including mutations in the SNCA (α-synuclein), LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2), Parkin (PARK2), PINK1 (PARK6), and DJ-1 (PARK7) genes. These genetic mutations can disrupt cellular processes involved in protein degradation, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress response, leading to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in the brain.