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Patient's perception: shorter and more severe prodromal phase in GBA-associated PD
M Zimmermann1,2, A Gaenslen1,2, K Prahl1
1Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
European Journal of Neurology
|August 15, 2018
Summary
Parkinson's disease patients with GBA gene mutations experience a shorter, more severe prodromal phase with simultaneous non-motor and motor symptoms. This contrasts with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, which has a longer prodromal period.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
Background:
- Prodromal symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) vary in onset and prevalence.
- Genetic factors may influence the manifestation of PD symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prodromal phase in PD patients with GBA gene mutations versus those without.
- To characterize the timing and prevalence of prodromal symptoms in GBA-mutation carriers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 151 participants.
- Included PD patients with GBA mutations (PDGBA), idiopathic PD patients (PDidiopathic), and healthy controls (CON).
- Validated structured interviews assessed prodromal symptom prevalence and timing.
Main Results:
- PDGBA patients exhibited a higher prevalence of prodromal symptoms.
- PDGBA patients showed near-simultaneous onset of non-motor and early motor symptoms before diagnosis.
- PDidiopathic patients reported a longer prodromal phase, beginning with non-motor symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The prodromal phase in PDGBA is shorter and more severe.
- Shorter assessment intervals may be needed for GBA mutation carriers at risk for PD.
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