My nephew is currently being tested for Parkinsons Disease which is progressing so rapidly it is just scarey!  I have heard that Environment plays a big part as there is nothing familial in either family.  He has worked as a Welder for over 8 years and I am wondering if Welding Flashes could have played a part in this.  Also he is a Skin Cancer survivor in which the treatment after surgery was to self inject Interferon for a certain length of time.  He was supposed to take anti-depressants along with this treatment, which he did not take.  Could this have had an effect on the dopamine levels or depletion of dopamine in his brain causing this very quick onset of Parkinsons?   Thanking YouBonnie Thorpe
Hi and welcome to Chat Doctor. Thank you for your query. This is not well investigated yet, but environmental factors aren't playing such a big role in Parkinson development and progression All these things you've said are not proven to have effects on Parkinson.Parkinson is neurological, genetically determined, and it is hard to predict will it occur and how fast will this progress. Antidepressants have no effect too, I don't think this is important anyway. All you need now is to find appropriate therapy for your nephew. Wish you good health.