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Published on: June 23, 2023
Parkinson's disease in Arabs: a systematic review
Hani T S Benamer1, Rajith de Silva, Khurram A Siddiqui
1Department of Neurology, Queen Elizabeth Neuroscience Centre, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Summary
Parkinson's disease (PD) genetic studies in Arab populations reveal specific mutations. The G2019S LRRK2 mutation is notably frequent, impacting familial and sporadic cases more than in Western populations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) research has benefited from studying specific populations, particularly in genetics.
- Understanding PD in diverse ethnic groups is crucial for comprehensive disease knowledge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the existing medical literature on Parkinson's disease in Arab populations.
- To consolidate findings on genetic, epidemiological, and clinical aspects of PD in Arabs.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline and Embase databases.
- Twenty-four articles were identified and categorized into genetic (17), epidemiological (3), and clinical series (5).
Main Results:
- Autosomal dominant and recessive forms of inherited PD are described, linked to four genes: Parkin, PINK1, LRRK2, and PARK9.
- The G2019S LRRK2 mutation is significantly more prevalent in North African Arabs (37-42% familial, 41% sporadic) compared to Europeans/North Americans (2-3%).
- PD incidence is 4.5/100,000 person-years, prevalence is 27-43/100,000. Parkinsonism is the most common movement disorder in hospital series. PD is a cause of dementia in ~7% of Arabs. Clinical features are similar globally.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors, particularly the G2019S LRRK2 mutation, play a significant role in Parkinson's disease etiology in North African Arabs.
- While clinical features are comparable to other populations, genetic predispositions warrant further investigation.
- Expanded genetic, epidemiological, and clinical research across more Arabic countries is needed to fully understand PD in this region.
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