While the reasons for this association are not clear, other studies have shown that people with Parkinson's diseases are at greater risk for developing melanoma. -- People with a family history of melanoma are twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease, a new study finds. "They thought that levodopa increased the risk of melanoma," he explained. "This suggests that it may not be the drugs, it could be something else, which is why I did this study," he said. The finding was released and was also expected be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's. But later reports found that people with melanoma were at high risk of developing Parkinson's disease, Gao said.

"This study suggests that some genetic components for melanoma are associated with Parkinson's disease." Earlier studies had found that Parkinson's patients taking levodopa, a com treatment for the condition, were more susceptible to melanoma, Gao said. Xiang Gao, an instructor in medicine at Harvard University School of Public Health.

"For people with a family member with melanoma, they may be at risk for Parkinson's disease," said lead researcher Dr.