Screening and Targeting Risk Factors for Prodromal Synucleinopathy: Taking Steps toward a Prescriptive Multi-modal...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Parkinson's disease (PD) prevalence is increasing, highlighting the need to understand the at-risk prodromal population.
• Current disease-modifying therapies often fail due to late intervention, as neurodegeneration may be too advanced.
• Identifying individuals in the earliest stages of PD is essential for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review risk factors and prodromal symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
• To propose a method for identifying individuals in the earliest, potentially modifiable stages of PD.
• To explore strategies for modulating PD disease trajectory through early intervention.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of PD risk factors and prodromal symptoms.
• Analysis of modifiable factors in the earliest stages of the disease.
• Proposal of an identification process and intervention strategies.

Main Results:

• The prodromal period encompasses subtle motor deficits or isolated physiological markers.
• Certain risk factors and prodromal symptoms may be modifiable in the earliest stages.
• Early identification could enable lifestyle modifications to alter disease course.

Conclusions:

• Identifying individuals in the prodromal stage of Parkinson's disease is critical.
• Early intervention, particularly lifestyle changes, may offer a pathway to modify disease trajectory.
• Prospective studies are warranted to validate proposed identification and intervention strategies.