Google’s co-founder, Sergey Brin, said Thursday that he has a gene mutation that increases his likelihood of contracting Parkinson’s disease. He discovered he carries this gene after testing was conducted by a biotechnology company called 23andme, co-founded by his wife.
Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that can impair speech, movement and other functions, including memory.
Mr. Brin, named by Forbes magazine as the 13th richest American, may now provide more financial support to Parkinson’s Disease research.
His Mother does have Parkinson’s Disease and is a carrier of the gene. Mr. Brin has a 20 percent to 80 percent chance of developing the disease which usually begins to show itself when someone is in their 50’s or 60’s.
The gene mutation of the LRRK2 gene, known as G2019S, is associationad with Parkinson’s disease. As his personal fortune is estimated at $15.9 billion, it will be nice to have his support for research on Parkinson’s Disease.
