Parkinson's Gene News - Question

[Guest uraj]

Just read the news on the Parkinson's Gene - they have found a mutation on a gene in about 5-8% of Parkinsons patients. Can anyone tell me why this is statistically (or otherwise) significant?

 

from

 

http://www.healthtalk.ca/parkinsons_gene_011805_37982.php

 

"Finding the same mutation in a single gene accounting for such a large percentage of patients is quite remarkable," said Dr. William C. Nichols, lead researcher of the first study.

 

also at:

 

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=7348093

 

Thanks,

J

[MolecularMan14]

I would have to ask, what percent of the healthy (or at least Parkinson's free) population has this mutuation as well?