Angelkissesx5
Boy you asked the million dollar questions!
1) Genetics - In my readings about PD, it is estimated that about 10 - 15% of PD patients have a positive genetic factor in first degree relatives. Thus, 85 - 90% of Parkinson's patients have no other family member affected. So the most part, Parkinsons's is not considered at an inherited disease, but rather a disease of unknown origin.
2) Medications - There are severel extremely effective medications available for Parkinson's symptoms. The problem is that not everyone has a strong positive response to these medications or that the side-effects may out way the benefits. The "gold standard" treatment for Parkinson's is Carbidopa/Levadopa (Sinemet). Also highly effective are the dopamine agonists like Mirapex, Requip, Permax and Parlodel. Other medications used to effectively treat common PD sypmtoms are Symmetral, anticholinergics (Cogentin and Artene), MAO inhibitors (Eldepyl) and COMT inhibitors (Comtan and Tasmar).
Since no two people present with the same Parkinson's symtoms and disease severity, treatment tends to be very individualistic. The medication combination that is effective for me, may not be effective for you or you may not be able to tolerate the medications at all. I believe the key to managing this disease is finding a good movement disorder specialist (neurologist) and working hand in hand with him or her to customize a treatment plan that works for you.
You never have to grow up....