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Does idiopathic parkinsonism in Aberdeen follow intrauterine influenza?
K P Ebmeier1, W J Mutch, S A Calder
1Department of Mental Health, University of Aberdeen, UK.
Abstract:
A study is presented which fails to replicate a recent report that peak years of birth of patients later developing Parkinson's disease are related to the influenza pandemics of the period 1890-1930. The years of birth of a whole population cohort of 243 patients suffering from Parkinson's disease examined in Aberdeen in 1983 and reexamined in 1986/7 were compared with deaths due to influenza in the City of Aberdeen in the years 1900-1930. Although a significant peak of Parkinson births (compared with the age profile of the Aberdeen population in 1983) occurred in 1902, there appeared to be no systematic relationship between Parkinson births and influenza deaths. In addition, no season of birth effect could be detected in a comparison with 232 matched controls. The presence of peaks of birth years, for whatever aetiological reason, is of significance to epidemiological studies in that prevalence estimates may be influenced by the year of study relative to these mini-cohorts.
Insights
This study found no link between Parkinson's disease birth year peaks and historical influenza pandemics. Parkinson's disease birth year patterns may impact epidemiological studies, regardless of the cause.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- A previous report suggested a link between Parkinson's disease (PD) birth year peaks and 1890-1930 influenza pandemics.
- Investigating potential environmental or infectious triggers for neurodegenerative diseases is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Parkinson's disease birth year peaks and influenza pandemics in Aberdeen.
- To determine if birth year or season influences Parkinson's disease risk.
Main Methods:
- Compared birth years of 243 Parkinson's disease patients in Aberdeen (1983, 1986/7) with influenza deaths (1900-1930).
- Analyzed birth year distribution against the general population's age profile.
- Compared birth seasons of PD patients with 232 matched controls.
Main Results:
- A significant birth year peak for Parkinson's disease patients was observed in 1902.
- No systematic relationship was found between Parkinson's disease birth peaks and influenza deaths.
- No significant season of birth effect was detected for Parkinson's disease patients.
Conclusions:
- The study failed to replicate the reported association between Parkinson's disease birth year peaks and influenza pandemics.
- Observed birth year peaks in Parkinson's disease patients, irrespective of influenza, can influence epidemiological prevalence estimates.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiology of Parkinson's disease and potential birth cohort effects.