A comparison of clinical and pathological features of young- and old-onset Parkinson's disease

Do Acoustic Characteristics of Dysarthria in People With Parkinson's Disease Differ Across Languages?

PURPOSE

Cross-language studies suggest more similarities than differences in how dysarthria affects the speech of people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) who speak different languages. In this study, we aimed to identify the relative contribution of acoustic variables to distinguish PwPD from controls who spoke varieties of two Romance languages, French and Portuguese.

METHOD

This bi-national, cross-sectional, and case-controlled study included 129 PwPD and 124 healthy controls who spoke French or Portuguese. All participants underwent the same clinical examinations, voice/speech recordings, and self-assessment questionnaires. PwPD were evaluated off and on optimal medication. Inferential analyses included Disease (controls vs. PwPD) and Language (French vs. Portuguese) as factors, and random decision forest algorithms identified relevant acoustic variables able to distinguish participants: (a) by language (French vs. Portuguese) and (b) by clinical status (PwPD on and off medication vs. controls).

RESULTS

French-speaking and Portuguese-speaking individuals were distinguished from each other with over 90% accuracy by five acoustic variables (the mean fundamental frequency and the shimmer of the sustained vowel /a/ production, the oral diadochokinesis performance index, the relative sound level pressure and the relative sound pressure level standard deviation of the text reading). A distinct set of parameters discriminated between controls and PwPD: for men, maximum phonation time and the oral diadochokinesis speech proportion were the most significant variables; for women, variables calculated from the oral diadochokinesis were the most discriminative.

CONCLUSIONS

Acoustic variables related to phonation and voice quality distinguished between speakers of the two languages. Variables related to pneumophonic coordination and articulation rate were the more effective in distinguishing PwPD from controls. Thus, our research findings support that respiration and diadochokinesis tasks appear to be the most appropriate to pinpoint signs of dysarthria, which are largely homogeneous and language-universal. In contrast, identifying language-specific variables with the speech tasks and acoustic variables studied was less conclusive.

Intrinsic brain functional connectivity predicts treatment-related motor complications in early Parkinson's disease patients

BACKGROUND

Treatment-related motor complications may develop progressively over the course of Parkinson's disease (PD).

OBJECTIVE

We investigated intrinsic brain networks functional connectivity (FC) at baseline in a cohort of early PD patients which successively developed treatment-related motor complications over 4 years.

METHODS

Baseline MRI images of 88 drug-naïve PD patients and 20 healthy controls were analyzed. After the baseline assessments, all PD patients were prescribed with dopaminergic treatment and yearly clinically re-assessed. At the 4-year follow-up, 36 patients have developed treatment-related motor complications (PD-Compl) whereas 52 had not (PD-no-Compl). Single-subject and group-level independent component analyses were used to investigate FC changes within the major large-scale resting-state networks at baseline. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to explore baseline predictors of treatment-related motor complications at 4-year follow-up.

RESULTS

At baseline, an increased FC in the right middle frontal gyrus within the frontoparietal network as well as a decreased connectivity in the left cuneus within the default-mode network were detected in PD-Compl compared with PD-no-Compl. PD-Compl patients showed a preserved sensorimotor FC compared to controls. FC differences were found to be independent predictors of treatment-related motor complications over time.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that specific FC differences may characterize drug-naïve PD patients more prone to develop treatment-related complications. These findings may reflect the presence of an intrinsic vulnerability across frontal and prefrontal circuits, which may be potentially targeted as a future biomarker in clinical trials.

Nigrostriatal tau pathology in parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease

While Parkinson's disease remains clinically defined by cardinal motor symptoms resulting from nigrostriatal degeneration, it is now appreciated that the disease commonly consists of multiple pathologies, but it is unclear where these co-pathologies occur early in disease and whether they are responsible for the nigrostriatal degeneration. For the past number of years, we have been studying a well-characterized cohort of subjects with motor impairment that we have termed mild motor deficits. Motor deficits were determined on a modified and validated Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III but were insufficient in degree to diagnose Parkinson's disease. However, in our past studies, cases in this cohort had a selection bias, as both a clinical syndrome in between no motor deficits and Parkinson's disease, plus nigral Lewy pathology as defined post-mortem, were required for inclusion. Therefore, in the current study, we only based inclusion on the presence of a clinical phenotype with mild motor impairment insufficient to diagnose Parkinson's disease. Then, we divided this group further based upon whether or not subjects had a synucleinopathy in the nigrostriatal system. Here we demonstrate that loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons, loss of putamenal dopaminergic innervation and loss of the tyrosine hydroxylase-phenotype in the substantia nigra and putamen occur equally in mild motor deficit groups with and without nigral alpha-synuclein aggregates. Indeed, the common feature of these two groups is that both have similar degrees of AT8 positive phosphorylated tau, a pathology not seen in the nigrostriatal system of age-matched controls. These findings were confirmed with early (tau Ser208 phosphorylation) and late (tau Ser396/Ser404 phosphorylation) tau markers. This suggests that the initiation of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration occurs independently of alpha-synuclein aggregation and can be tau mediated.

Non-invasive systemic viral delivery of human alpha-synuclein mimics selective and progressive neuropathology of Parkinson's disease in rodent brains

BACKGROUND

Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation into proteinaceous intraneuronal inclusions, called Lewy bodies (LBs), is the neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. However, the exact role of α-syn inclusions in PD pathogenesis remains elusive. This lack of knowledge is mainly due to the absence of optimal α-syn-based animal models that recapitulate the different stages of neurodegeneration.

METHODS

Here we describe a novel approach for a systemic delivery of viral particles carrying human α-syn allowing for a large-scale overexpression of this protein in the mouse brain. This approach is based on the use of a new generation of adeno-associated virus (AAV), AAV-PHP.eB, with an increased capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier, thus offering a viable tool for a non-invasive and large-scale gene delivery in the central nervous system.

RESULTS

Using this model, we report that widespread overexpression of human α-syn induced selective degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons, an exacerbated neuroinflammatory response in the substantia nigra and a progressive manifestation of PD-like motor impairments. Interestingly, biochemical analysis revealed the presence of insoluble α-syn oligomers in the midbrain. Together, our data demonstrate that a single non-invasive systemic delivery of viral particles overexpressing α-syn prompted selective and progressive neuropathology resembling the early stages of PD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our new in vivo model represents a valuable tool to study the role of α-syn in PD pathogenesis and in the selective vulnerability of nigral DA neurons; and offers the opportunity to test new strategies targeting α-syn toxicity for the development of disease-modifying therapies for PD and related disorders.

Levodopa-induced dyskinesia in early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) associates with glucocerebrosidase mutation: A next-generation sequencing study in EOPD patients in Thailand

BACKGROUND

With the benefit of using next-generation sequencing (NGS), our aim was to examine the prevalence of known monogenic causes in early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) patients in Thailand. The association between clinical features, such as levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID), and genotypes were also explored.

METHOD

NGS studies were carried out for EOPD patients in the Tertiary-referral center for Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. EOPD patients who had LID symptoms were enrolled in this study (n = 47). We defined EOPD as a patient with onset of PD at or below 50 years of age. LID was defined as hyperkinetic movements including chorea, ballism, dystonia, myoclonus, or any combination of these movements resulting from levodopa therapy, which could be peak-dose, off-period, or diphasic dyskinesias.

RESULTS

Pathogenic variants were identified in 17% (8/47) of the Thai EOPD patients, of which 10.6% (5/47) were heterozygous GBA variants (c.1448T>C in 3 patients and c.115+1G>A in 2 patients), 4.3% (2/47) homozygous PINK1 variants (c.1474C>T) and 2.1% (1/47) a PRKN mutation (homozygous deletion of exon 7). The LID onset was earlier in patients with GBA mutations compared to those without (34.8±23.4 vs 106.2±59.5 months after starting levodopa, respectively, p = 0.001). LID onset within the first 30 months of the disease was also found to be independently associated with the GBA mutation (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 25.00 [2.12-295.06], p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the high prevalence of GBA pathogenic variants in Thai patients with EOPD and the independent association of these variants with the earlier onset of LID. This emphasizes the importance of genetic testing in this population.

Unveiling How Hydroxytyrosol Destabilizes α-Syn Oligomers Using Molecular Simulations

The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is mainly linked to the α-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrillogenesis. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), also known as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol, is a naturally occurring polyphenol, found in extra virgin olive oil, and has been shown to have cardioprotective, anticancer, antiobesity, and antidiabetic properties. HT has neuroprotective benefits in neurodegenerative diseases and lessens the severity of PD by reducing the aggregation of α-Syn and destabilizing the preformed toxic α-Syn oligomers. However, the molecular mechanism by which HT destabilizes α-Syn oligomers and alleviates the accompanying cytotoxicity remains unexplored. The impact of HT on the α-Syn oligomer structure and its potential binding mechanism was examined in this work by employing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The secondary structure analysis depicted that HT significantly reduces the β-sheet and concomitantly increases the coil content of α-Syn trimer. Visualization of representative conformations from the clustering analysis depicted the hydrogen bond interactions of the hydroxyl groups in HT with the N-terminal and nonamyloid-β component (NAC) region residues of α-Syn trimer, which, in turn, leads to the weakening of interchain interactions in α-Syn trimer and resulted in the disruption of the α-Syn oligomer. The binding free energy calculations depict that HT binds favorably to α-Syn trimer (ΔG_binding = -23.25 ± 7.86 kcal/mol) and a notable reduction in the interchain binding affinity of α-Syn trimer on the incorporation of HT, which, in turn, highlights its potential to disrupt α-Syn oligomers. The current research provided mechanistic insights into the destabilization of α-Syn trimer by HT, which, in turn, will provide new clues for developing therapeutics against PD.

Speech rate and fluency in young-onset Parkinson's disease: A longitudinal case study from early to post brain surgery stage

The aim of this study is to analyse the speech rate, pausing and fluency of a patient with young-onset Parkinson's Disease in different stages of the disease. Speech samples of the patient were recorded in the early stages of the disease until after the brain surgery. The recordings were compared to the speech of healthy control speakers. Speech rate, articulation rate, pausing and the frequency of disfluencies were analysed. Results show that all parameters are influenced by the severity of the disease, but articulation rate is the most affected.

Population fraction of Parkinson's disease attributable to preventable risk factors

Parkinson's disease is the fastest growing neurologic disease with seemingly no means for prevention. Intrinsic risk factors (age, sex, genetics) are inescapable, but environmental factors are not. We studied population attributable fraction and estimated fraction of PD that could be reduced if modifiable risk factors were eliminated. Assessing several known risk factors simultaneously in one study, we demonstrate that all were operative and independent, underscoring etiological heterogeneity within a single population. We investigated repeated blows to head in sports or combat as a potential new risk factor, and found it was associated with two-fold increased risk of PD. Considering modifiable risk factors, 23% of PD cases in females were attributable to pesticides/herbicides exposure, and 30% of PD cases in males was attributable to pesticides/herbicides, Agent Orange/chemical warfare, and repeated blows to the head. Thus, one-in-three cases of PD in males, and one-in-four cases in females could have potentially been prevented.

Quantitative High Density EEG Brain Connectivity Evaluation in Parkinson's Disease: The Phase Locking Value (PLV)

INTRODUCTION

The present study explores brain connectivity in Parkinson's disease (PD) and in age matched healthy controls (HC), using quantitative EEG analysis, at rest and during a motor tasks. We also evaluated the diagnostic performance of the phase locking value (PLV), a measure of functional connectivity, in differentiating PD patients from HCs.

METHODS

High-density, 64-channels, EEG data from 26 PD patients and 13 HC were analyzed. EEG signals were recorded at rest and during a motor task. Phase locking value (PLV), as a measure of functional connectivity, was evaluated for each group in a resting state and during a motor task for the following frequency bands: (i) delta: 2-4 Hz; (ii) theta: 5-7 Hz; (iii) alpha: 8-12 Hz; beta: 13-29 Hz; and gamma: 30-60 Hz. The diagnostic performance in PD vs. HC discrimination was evaluated.

RESULTS

Results showed no significant differences in PLV connectivity between the two groups during the resting state, but a higher PLV connectivity in the delta band during the motor task, in HC compared to PD. Comparing the resting state versus the motor task for each group, only HCs showed a higher PLV connectivity in the delta band during motor task. A ROC curve analysis for HC vs. PD discrimination, showed an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.75, a sensitivity of 100%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study evaluated the brain connectivity through quantitative EEG analysis in Parkinson's disease versus healthy controls, showing a higher PLV connectivity in the delta band during the motor task, in HC compared to PD. This neurophysiology biomarkers showed the potentiality to be explored in future studies as a potential screening biomarker for PD patients.

Dopaminergic Dysfunction and Glucose Metabolism Characteristics in Parkin-Induced Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease Compared to Genetically Undetermined Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease

While early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) caused by mutations in the parkin gene (PRKN) tends to have a relatively benign course compared to genetically undetermined (GU)-EOPD, the exact underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We aimed to search for the differences between PRKN-EOPD and GU-EOPD by dopamine transporter (DAT) and glucose metabolism positron-emission-tomography (PET) imaging. Twelve patients with PRKN-EOPD and 16 with GU-EOPD who accepted both 11C-2b-carbomethoxy-3b-(4-trimethylstannylphenyl) tropane (11C-CFT) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET were enrolled. The 11C-CFT uptake was analyzed on both regional and voxel levels, whereas glucose metabolism was assessed in a voxel-wise fashion. Correlations between DAT and glucose metabolism imaging, DAT imaging and clinical severity, as well as glucose metabolism imaging and clinical severity were explored. Both clinical symptoms and DAT-binding patterns in the posterior putamen were highly symmetrical in patients with PRKN-EOPD, and dopaminergic dysfunction in the ipsilateral putamen was severer in patients with PRKN-EOPD than GU-EOPD. Meanwhile, the DAT binding was associated with the severity of motor dysfunction in  patients with GU-EOPD only. Patients with PRKN-EOPD showed increased glucose metabolism in the contralateral medial frontal gyrus (supplementary motor area (SMA)), contralateral substantia nigra, contralateral thalamus, and contralateral cerebellum. Notably, glucose metabolic activity in the contralateral medial frontal gyrus was inversely associated with regional DAT binding in the bilateral putamen. Patients with PRKN-EOPD showed enhanced metabolic connectivity within the bilateral putamen, ipsilateral paracentral and precentral lobules, and the ipsilateral SMA. Collectively, compared to GU-EOPD, PRKN-EOPD is characterized by symmetrical, more severe dopaminergic dysfunction and relative increased glucose metabolism. Meanwhile, SMA with elevated glucose metabolism and enhanced connectivity may act as compensatory mechanisms in PRKN-EOPD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43657-022-00077-8.

Clinical differences between early-onset and mid-and-late-onset Parkinson's disease: Data analysis of the Hellenic Biobank of Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Age at onset is one of the most critical factors contributing to the clinical heterogeneity of Parkinson's disease (PD), and available evidence is rather conflicting.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical differences between early-onset PD (EOPD) and mid-and-late-onset PD (MLOPD) in the Greek population, based on the existing data of the Hellenic Biobank of PD (HBPD).

METHODS

HBPD contains information of PD cases from two centers in Greece during 2006-2017. Patients with the A53T mutation in the SNCA gene or mutations in the GBA1 gene were excluded. Associations between clinical characteristics (motor and non-motor symptoms, side of onset, first symptom, motor complications) and MLOPD versus EOPD were explored with a single logistic regression model adjusting for gender, family history of PD, disease and dopaminergic therapy duration, disease severity (UPDRS III), levodopa equivalent daily dose, as well as each of the other clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

675 patients (129 EOPD, 546 MLOPD) were included. EOPD was more frequently associated with dystonia (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08-0.50, p < 0.01) and motor complications (0.23, 0.07-0.76, 0.02), compared to MLOPD. Bilateral onset (9.38, 1.05-84.04, 0.045) and autonomic dysfunction (2.31, 1.04-5.11, 0.04) were more frequently associated with MLOPD.

CONCLUSIONS

EOPD and MLOPD display distinct clinical profiles, regarding motor and non-motor symptoms, side of onset and motor complications in the Greek population. These differences may reflect diverse pathophysiological backgrounds, potentially attributed to genetic or age-related epigenetic influences.

Age Cutoff for Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease: Recommendations from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Task Force on Early Onset Parkinson's Disease

Background

Early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD)/young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) is defined as Parkinson's disease (PD) with an age at onset (AAO) after age 21 years but before the usual AAO for PD. Consensus is lacking, and the reported maximal age for EOPD/YOPD has varied from 40 to 60 years, leading to a lack of uniformity in published studies and difficulty in harmonization of data. EOPD and YOPD have both been used in the literature, somewhat interchangeably.

Objective

To define the nomenclature and AAO cutoff for EOPD/YOPD.

Methods

An extensive review of the literature and task force meetings were conducted. Conclusions were reached by consensus.

Results

First, the literature has seen a shift from the use of YOPD toward EOPD. This seems motivated by an attempt to avoid age-related stigmatization of patients. Second, in defining EOPD, 56% of the countries use 50 or 51 years as the cutoff age. Third, the majority of international genetic studies in PD use an age cutoff of younger than 50 years to define EOPD. Fourth, many studies suggest that changes in the estrogen level can affect the predisposition to develop PD, making the average age at menopause of 50 years an important factor to consider when defining EOPD. Fifth, considering the differential impact of the AAO of PD on professional and social life, using 50 years as the upper cutoff for the definition of EOPD seems reasonable.

Conclusions

This task force recommends the use of EOPD rather than YOPD. It defines EOPD as PD with AAO after 21 years but before 50 years.

Garcinia morella extract confers dopaminergic neuroprotection by mitigating mitochondrial dysfunctions and inflammation in mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Dopaminergic neuroprotection is the main interest in designing novel therapeutics against Parkinson's disease (PD). In the process of dopaminergic degeneration, mitochondrial dysfunctions and inflammation are significant. While the existing drugs provide symptomatic relief against PD, a therapy conferring total neuroprotection by targeting multiple degenerative pathways is still lacking. Garcinia morella is a common constituent of Ayurvedic medication and has been used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. The present study investigates whether administration of G. morella fruit extract (GME) in MPTP mouse model of PD protects against dopaminergic neurodegeneration, including the underlying pathophysiologies, and reverses the motor behavioural abnormalities. Administration of GME prevented the loss of dopaminergic cell bodies in the substantia nigra and its terminals in the corpus striatum of PD mice. Subsequently, reversal of parkinsonian behavioural abnormalities, viz. akinesia, catalepsy, and rearing, was observed along with the recovery of striatal dopamine and its metabolites in the experimental model. Furthermore, reduced activity of the mitochondrial complex II in the nigrostriatal pathway of brain of the mice was restored after the administration of GME. Also, MPTP-induced enhanced activation of Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the nigrostriatal pathway, which are the markers of inflammatory stress, were found to be ameliorated on GME treatment. Thus, our study presented a novel mode of dopaminergic neuroprotection by G. morella in PD by targeting the mitochondrial dysfunctions and neuroinflammation, which are considered to be intricately associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons.

Mitochondrial DNA variation in Parkinson’s disease: Analysis of “out-of-place” population variants as a risk factor

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), a potential source of mitochondrial dysfunction, has been implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, many previous studies investigating associations between mtDNA population variation and PD reported inconsistent or contradictory findings. Here, we investigated an alternative hypothesis to determine whether mtDNA variation could play a significant role in PD risk. Emerging evidence suggests that haplogroup-defining mtDNA variants may have pathogenic potential if they occur “out-of-place” on a different maternal lineage. We hypothesized that the mtDNA of PD cases would be enriched for out-of-place variation in genes encoding components of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes. We tested this hypothesis with a unique dataset comprising whole mitochondrial genomes of 70 African ancestry PD cases, two African ancestry control groups (n = 78 and n = 53) and a replication group of 281 European ancestry PD cases and 140 controls from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative cohort. Significantly more African ancestry PD cases had out-of-place variants than controls from the second control group (P < 0.0125), although this association was not observed in the first control group nor the replication group. As the first mtDNA study to include African ancestry PD cases and to explore out-of-place variation in a PD context, we found evidence that such variation might be significant in this context, thereby warranting further replication in larger cohorts.

Increased blood-derived mitochondrial DNA copy number in African ancestry individuals with Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Altered levels of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) have been proposed as a proxy for mitochondrial dysfunction. Following reports of mtDNA depletion in the blood and substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease (PD) cases, mtDNA-CN was also suggested as a possible biomarker for PD. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether blood mtDNA-CN levels of African ancestry PD cases would be altered compared to controls, as previously reported in individuals of Asian and European ancestry.

METHODS

Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) was performed to quantify blood-derived mtDNA-CN levels as a ratio of a mitochondrial gene (MT-TL1) to a nuclear gene (B2M) in 72 PD cases and 79 controls of African ancestry (i.e. individuals with African mtDNA haplogroups) from South Africa. mtDNA-CN per cell was calculated by the formula 2 × MT-TL1/B2M.

RESULTS

Accepting study limitations, we report significantly higher mtDNA-CN in whole blood of our PD cases compared to controls (median difference = 81 copies/cell), independent of age (95% CI [64, 98]; P < 0.001]). These findings contradict previous reports of mtDNA depletion in PD cases.

CONCLUSIONS

We caution that the observed differences in mtDNA-CN between the present and past studies may be a result of unaccounted-for factors and variability in study designs. Consequently, larger well-designed investigations may help determine whether mtDNA-CN is consistently altered in the blood of PD cases across different ancestries and whether it can serve as a viable biomarker for PD.

Bipolar Spectrum disorders in Parkinson's disease: a systematic evaluation

OBJECTIVE

Psychiatric disorders are very common in patients affected by Parkinson's disease (PD). However, comorbidity with Bipolar Spectrum disorders is understudied. The aim of this study is to explore the clinical correlates of PD associated with Bipolar Spectrum disorders.

METHODS

One hundred PD patients were screened for psychiatric comorbidities, cognitive profile, motor, and non-motor symptoms. The sample was divided into three groups: PD-patients with Bipolar Spectrum disorders (bipolar disorder type I, type II, and spontaneous or induced hypomania; N = 32), PD-patients with others psychiatric comorbidities (N = 39), PD-patients without psychiatric comorbidities (N = 29). Clinical features were compared among the groups using analysis of variance and chi-square test. A logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between Bipolar Spectrum disorders and early onset of PD (≤50 years) controlling for lifetime antipsychotic use.

RESULTS

In comparison with PD patients with and without other psychiatric comorbidity, subjects affected by Bipolar Spectrum disorders were younger, showed more frequently an early onset PD, reported more involuntary movements and a higher rate of impulse control disorders and compulsive behaviors. No differences were observed in indexes of exposure to dopamine agonist treatments. The early onset of PD was predicted by Bipolar Spectrum comorbidity, independently from lifetime antipsychotic use.

CONCLUSION

Bipolar Spectrum disorders are common in early onset PD. The presence of bipolar comorbidity could identify a particular subtype of PD, showing higher rates of neurological and psychiatric complications and deserving further investigation.

Validation of new diagnostic criteria for fatigue in patients with Parkinson's disease

Background and purpose

Although disabling fatigue is common in Parkinson disease (PD), available consensus‐based diagnostic criteria have not yet been empirically validated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinimetric properties of the criteria.

Methods

A sample of outpatients with PD was evaluated for demographic, clinical, behavioral, and cognitive features. Fatigue was diagnosed according to the new diagnostic criteria and was rated by means of the Parkinson Fatigue Scale (PFS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Acceptability, concurrent and discriminant validity, and interrater reliability were evaluated with binary logistic regression analyses and Cohen kappa (κ).

Results

Of 241 included patients, 17 (7.1%) met the diagnostic criteria for PD‐related fatigue. Eight of nine symptoms described in Section A of the diagnostic criteria occurred in >50% of patients with fatigue. Acceptability (missing data = 0.8%) of the criteria was good, as was their concurrent validity with the PFS (odds ratio = 3.65) and FSS (odds ratio = 3.63). The discriminant validity of fatigue criteria with other PD‐related behavioral and cognitive features was good (odds ratio < 1.68). The interrater reliability was excellent (κ = 0.92).

Conclusions

This is the first study to test the clinimetric properties of case definition diagnostic criteria for PD‐related fatigue. Our results suggest that current diagnostic criteria may be useful in both clinical practice and research. Future longitudinal studies should examine their long‐term stability.

Single-Particle Resolution of Copper-Associated Annular α-Synuclein Oligomers Reveals Potential Therapeutic Targets of Neurodegeneration

Metal ions stabilize protein–protein interactions and can modulate protein aggregation. Here, using liquid-based atomic force microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, we study the concentration-dependent effect of Cu²⁺ ions on the aggregation pathway of α-synuclein (α-Syn) proteins, which play a key role in the pathology of Parkinson’s disease. The full spectrum of α-Syn aggregates in the presence and absence of Cu²⁺ ions from monomers to mature fibrils was resolved and quantified at the gold–water interface. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the atomic force microscopy (AFM) findings on the heterogeneity in aggregated states of α-Syn. The formation of annular oligomers was exclusively detected upon incubating α-Syn with Cu²⁺ ions. Our findings emphasize the importance of targeting annular α-Syn protein oligomers for therapeutic intervention and their potential role as biomarkers for early detection and monitoring progression of neurodegeneration.

The effect of Non-Motor symptoms on Health-Related quality of life in patients with young onset Parkinson's Disease: A single center Vietnamese Cross-Sectional study

•

Non-motor features may negatively impact those with young-onset Parkinson disease.

•

Sleep/fatigue was the most severely affected, followed by mood/cognition.

•

These domains independently predicted health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Background

Young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) is a distinct entity from typical late onset Parkinson’s disease (LOPD). The influene of non-motor features on the health - related quality of life (HRQoL) in LOPD has been previously reported, but little is known about the impact of non-motor features in YOPD.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between non-motor burden and HRQoL in patients with YOPD.

Methods

This was an observational, cross-sectional study in patients with a PD, whose age at disease onset ranged from 21 to 40 years (YOPD). Participants were assessed with the MDS Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) and the 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39; range 0–100). Spearman’s rank test was used to identify correlations between NMSS domains and several dimension of HRQoL. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of HRQoL as measured by PDQ-39 summary index.

Results

89 patients with YOPD mean (SD) age = 42.15 (5.84) participated. Patients reported 10.17 (4.74) non-motor symptoms, the most common (75%) and severe (median = 3) of which was was fatigue (IQR = 7). The most frequently reported and severely affected NMSS domain was sleep/fatigue (89.9%, median = 8; IQR = 13) followed by mood/cognition (83.1%, median = 6; IQR = 18) and attention/memory (82%, median = 5; IQR = 8). The mean (SD) summary index of PDQ-39 was 32.89 (16.8). The means (SD) of each PDQ-39 dimensions were: mobility 37.33 (21.96), ADL 42.93 (25.33), emotional well-being 39.77 (25.47), stigma 38.19 (28.44), social support 19.03 (22.89), cognition 29.59 (20.63), communication 26.96 (23.57), and bodily discomfort 29.96 (23.19). With the exception of gastrointestinal tract and sexual function, all other NMSS domain scores were correlated with the PDQ-39 summary index. The multivariate model revealed that three NMSS domains including sleep/fatigue, mood/cognition and attention/memory accompanied with UPDRS part III were independent predictors of HRQoL as measured by PDQ-39SI.

Conclusions

Non-motor symptoms pertaining to sleep disturbances/fatigue, mood/cognition and attention/memory negatively impact HRQoL in patients with YOPD.

Association between plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to Parkinson's disease in Chinese patients

PURPOSE

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that usually leads to memory impairment, cognitive decline and dementia. Previous studies have reported that plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene polymorphisms play important roles in cardiovascular diseases, obesity, inflammation and other diseases. However, the role of PAI-1 in the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease has not been reported so far.

METHODS

This study was a case-control study. This study included 131 PD patients and 97 healthy volunteers. polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to analyze the polymorphic loci of five different regions in PAI-1 gene (rs2227631, rs1799889, rs6092, rs2227694 and rs7242). 60 PD patients and 60 healthy volunteers were selected to detect the plasma PAI-1 concentration. The allele and genotype frequencies of SNPs were assessed using the SHEsis program.

RESULTS

We found that GG genotype frequency and G allele frequency of rs2227631 was significantly higher in the PD patients. Statistically significant difference for rs1799889 could be observed in overdominant model. In subgroup analysis, a significant difference in genotype frequency distribution and allele frequency was found for rs2227631 and rs1799889 between early-onset PD group and the control group. For cognitive dysfunction, the subcomponent showed that GG genotype frequency and G allele frequency of rs2227631 was significantly higher in normal cognition group. The codominant model of rs1799889 was significantly different between the cognitive impairment group and the control group. In addition, the expression of PAI-1 in plasma of PD patients was significantly higher than that of controls, and further analysis showed that the expression of PAI-1 in patients with cognitive impairment was significantly higher than that in patients with cognitive normal.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the PAI-1 gene rs2227631 and rs1799889 polymorphisms were significantly associated with PD susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. PAI-1 has the potential to become a new therapeutic target and diagnostic marker.

Distinct patterns of speech disorder in early-onset and late-onset de-novo Parkinson's disease

Substantial variability and severity of dysarthric patterns across Parkinson's disease (PD) patients may reflect distinct phenotypic differences. We aimed to compare patterns of speech disorder in early-onset PD (EOPD) and late-onset PD (LOPD) in drug-naive patients at early stages of disease. Speech samples were acquired from a total of 96 participants, including two subgroups of 24 de-novo PD patients and two subgroups of 24 age- and sex-matched young and old healthy controls. The EOPD group included patients with age at onset below 51 (mean 42.6, standard deviation 6.1) years and LOPD group patients with age at onset above 69 (mean 73.9, standard deviation 3.0) years. Quantitative acoustic vocal assessment of 10 unique speech dimensions related to respiration, phonation, articulation, prosody, and speech timing was performed. Despite similar perceptual dysarthria severity in both PD subgroups, EOPD showed weaker inspirations (p = 0.03), while LOPD was characterized by decreased voice quality (p = 0.02) and imprecise consonant articulation (p = 0.03). In addition, age-independent occurrence of monopitch (p < 0.001), monoloudness (p = 0.008), and articulatory decay (p = 0.04) was observed in both PD subgroups. The worsening of consonant articulation was correlated with the severity of axial gait symptoms (r = 0.38, p = 0.008). Speech abnormalities in EOPD and LOPD share common features but also show phenotype-specific characteristics, likely reflecting the influence of aging on the process of neurodegeneration. The distinct pattern of imprecise consonant articulation can be interpreted as an axial motor symptom of PD.

Subthalamic stimulation breaks the balance between distal and axial signs in Parkinson's disease

In Parkinson’s disease (PD), the effects of both L_dopa and subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) are known to change cost-valuation. However, this was mostly studied through reward-effort task involving distal movements, while axial effort, less responsive to treatments, have been barely studied. Thus, our objective was to compare the influence of both L_dopa and STN-DBS on cost-valuation between two efforts modalities: vowel production (as an example of axial movement) and hand squeezing (as an example of distal movement). Twelve PD patients were recruited to participate in this study. The task consisted in deciding whether to accept or reject trials based on a reward-effort trade-off. Participants performed two blocks with hand squeezing, and two with vowel production, in the four treatment conditions (L_dopaOn/Off; STN-DBS On/Off). We found that STN-DBS changed the ratio difference between hand and phonation efforts. Vowel production effort was estimated easier to perform with STN-DBS alone, and harder when associated with L_dopa. The difference between hand and phonation efforts was correlated with quality of life in Off/Off and On L_dopa alone conditions, and with impulsive assessment On STN-DBS alone. We highlighted that STN-DBS could introduce an imbalance between the actual motor impairments and their subjective costs. With this finding, we also suggest paying particular attention to the different treatment effects that should be expected for axial and distal movement dysfunctions.

Comprehensive methylation profile of CSF cfDNA revealed pathogenesis and diagnostic markers for early-onset Parkinson's disease

Background: Early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) is one uncommon Parkinson's disease subtype with characteristic clinicopathological features. The full epigenomic profile of EOPD is largely unknown. Methods: We performed the first study to investigate the EOPD full methylation profile of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from 26 EOPD patients and 10 control patients. Results: 2220 differentially methylated genes were identified in EOPD. Hypermethylation far outweighed hypomethylation in gene numbers. Clustering and enrichment analyses identified aberrant neuronal function and immune response. Weighted correlation network analysis demonstrated significant correlation between methylation signatures and clock drawing test (CDT), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), education, working status, alcohol drinking history and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA). Several key networking genes in EOPD aberrant methylation were also identified. Conclusions: The methylation profile and signatures of CSF cfDNA were revealed for the first time in EOPD. Aberrant methylation signatures were correlated with education, working status, alcohol drinking history, CDT, MMSE and HAMA.

Iron as the concert master in the pathogenic orchestra playing in sporadic Parkinson's disease

About 60 years ago, the discovery of a deficiency of dopamine in the nigro-striatal system led to a variety of symptomatic therapeutic strategies to supplement dopamine and to substantially improve the quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Since these seminal developments, neuropathological, neurochemical, molecular biological and genetic discoveries contributed to elucidate the pathology of PD. Oxidative stress, the consequences of reactive oxidative species, reduced antioxidative capacity including loss of glutathione, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, proteasomal dysfunction, apoptosis, lysosomal dysfunction, autophagy, suggested to be causal for ɑ-synuclein fibril formation and aggregation and contributing to neuroinflammation and neural cell death underlying this devastating disorder. However, there are no final conclusions about the triggered pathological mechanism(s) and the follow-up of pathological dysfunctions. Nevertheless, it is a fact, that iron, a major component of oxidative reactions, as well as neuromelanin, the major intraneuronal chelator of iron, undergo an age-dependent increase. And ageing is a major risk factor for PD. Iron is significantly increased in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of PD. Reasons for this finding include disturbances in iron-related import and export mechanisms across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), localized opening of the BBB at the nigro-striatal tract including brain vessel pathology. Whether this pathology is of primary or secondary importance is not known. We assume that there is a better fit to the top-down hypotheses and pathogens entering the brain via the olfactory system, then to the bottom-up (gut-brain) hypothesis of PD pathology. Triggers for the bottom-up, the dual-hit and the top-down pathologies include chemicals, viruses and bacteria. If so, hepcidin, a regulator of iron absorption and its distribution into tissues, is suggested to play a major role in the pathogenesis of iron dyshomeostasis and risk for initiating and progressing ɑ-synuclein pathology. The role of glial components to the pathology of PD is still unknown. However, the dramatic loss of glutathione (GSH), which is mainly synthesized in glia, suggests dysfunction of this process, or GSH uptake into neurons. Loss of GSH and increase in SNpc iron concentration have been suggested to be early, may be even pre-symptomatic processes in the pathology of PD, despite the fact that they are progression factors. The role of glial ferritin isoforms has not been studied so far in detail in human post-mortem brain tissue and a close insight into their role in PD is called upon. In conclusion, "iron" is a major player in the pathology of PD. Selective chelation of excess iron at the site of the substantia nigra, where a dysfunction of the BBB is suggested, with peripherally acting iron chelators is suggested to contribute to the portfolio and therapeutic armamentarium of anti-Parkinson medications.

A Practical Approach to Early-Onset Parkinsonism

Early-onset parkinsonism (EO parkinsonism), defined as subjects with disease onset before the age of 40 or 50 years, can be the main clinical presentation of a variety of conditions that are important to differentiate. Although rarer than classical late-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD) and not infrequently overlapping with forms of juvenile onset PD, a correct diagnosis of the specific cause of EO parkinsonism is critical for offering appropriate counseling to patients, for family and work planning, and to select the most appropriate symptomatic or etiopathogenic treatments. Clinical features, radiological and laboratory findings are crucial for guiding the differential diagnosis. Here we summarize the most important conditions associated with primary and secondary EO parkinsonism. We also proposed a practical approach based on the current literature and expert opinion to help movement disorders specialists and neurologists navigate this complex and challenging landscape.

Neural signatures of hyperdirect pathway activity in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterised by the emergence of beta frequency oscillatory synchronisation across the cortico-basal-ganglia circuit. The relationship between the anatomy of this circuit and oscillatory synchronisation within it remains unclear. We address this by combining recordings from human subthalamic nucleus (STN) and internal globus pallidus (GPi) with magnetoencephalography, tractography and computational modelling. Coherence between supplementary motor area and STN within the high (21-30 Hz) but not low (13-21 Hz) beta frequency range correlated with 'hyperdirect pathway' fibre densities between these structures. Furthermore, supplementary motor area activity drove STN activity selectively at high beta frequencies suggesting that high beta frequencies propagate from the cortex to the basal ganglia via the hyperdirect pathway. Computational modelling revealed that exaggerated high beta hyperdirect pathway activity can provoke the generation of widespread pathological synchrony at lower beta frequencies. These findings suggest a spectral signature and a pathophysiological role for the hyperdirect pathway in PD.

Exploring human-genome gut-microbiome interaction in Parkinson's disease

The causes of complex diseases remain an enigma despite decades of epidemiologic research on environmental risks and genome-wide studies that have uncovered tens or hundreds of susceptibility loci for each disease. We hypothesize that the microbiome is the missing link. Genetic studies have shown that overexpression of alpha-synuclein, a key pathological protein in Parkinson’s disease (PD), can cause familial PD and variants at alpha-synuclein locus confer risk of idiopathic PD. Recently, dysbiosis of gut microbiome in PD was identified: altered abundances of three microbial clusters were found, one of which was composed of opportunistic pathogens. Using two large datasets, we found evidence that the overabundance of opportunistic pathogens in PD gut is influenced by the host genotype at the alpha-synuclein locus, and that the variants responsible modulate alpha-synuclein expression. Results put forth testable hypotheses on the role of gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of PD, the incomplete penetrance of PD susceptibility genes, and potential triggers of pathology in the gut.

Brain networks and cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease

Aim The aim of the present study is to investigate the relations between both functional connectivity and brain networks with cognitive decline, in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Introduction PD phenotype is not limited to motor impairment but, rather, a wide range of non-motor disturbances can occur, cognitive impairment being one of the commonest. However, how the large-scale organization of brain activity differs in cognitively impaired patients, as opposed to cognitively preserved ones, remains poorly understood. Methods Starting from source-reconstructed resting-state magnetoencephalography data, we applied the PLM to estimate functional connectivity, globally and between brain areas, in PD patients with and without cognitive impairment (respectively PD-CI and PD-NC), as compared to healthy subjects (HS). Furthermore, using graph analysis, we characterized the alterations in brain network topology and related these, as well as the functional connectivity, to cognitive performance. Results We found reduced global and nodal PLM in several temporal (fusiform gyrus, Heschl's gyrus and inferior temporal gyrus), parietal (postcentral gyrus), and occipital (lingual gyrus) areas within the left hemisphere, in the gamma band, in PD-CI patients, as compared to PD-NC and HS. With regard to the global topological features, PD-CI patients, as compared to HS and PD-NC patients, showed differences in multi frequencies bands (delta, alpha, gamma) in the Leaf fraction, Tree hierarchy (both higher in PD-CI) and Diameter (lower in PD-CI). Finally, we found statistically significant correlations between the MoCA test and both the Diameter in delta band and the Tree Hierarchy in the alpha band. Conclusion Our work points to specific large-scale rearrangements that occur selectively in cognitively compromised PD patients and correlated to cognitive impairment.

Investigation of Autosomal Genetic Sex Differences in Parkinson's Disease

OBJECTIVE

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder. Men are on average ~ 1.5 times more likely to develop PD compared to women with European ancestry. Over the years, genomewide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous genetic risk factors for PD, however, it is unclear whether genetics contribute to disease etiology in a sex-specific manner.

METHODS

In an effort to study sex-specific genetic factors associated with PD, we explored 2 large genetic datasets from the International Parkinson's Disease Genomics Consortium and the UK Biobank consisting of 13,020 male PD cases, 7,936 paternal proxy cases, 89,660 male controls, 7,947 female PD cases, 5,473 maternal proxy cases, and 90,662 female controls. We performed GWAS meta-analyses to identify distinct patterns of genetic risk contributing to disease in male versus female PD cases.

RESULTS

In total, 19 genomewide significant regions were identified and no sex-specific effects were observed. A high genetic correlation between the male and female PD GWAS were identified (rg = 0.877) and heritability estimates were identical between male and female PD cases (~ 20%).

INTERPRETATION

We did not detect any significant genetic differences between male or female PD cases. Our study does not support the notion that common genetic variation on the autosomes could explain the difference in prevalence of PD between males and females cases at least when considering the current sample size under study. Further studies are warranted to investigate the genetic architecture of PD explained by X and Y chromosomes and further evaluate environmental effects that could potentially contribute to PD etiology in male versus female patients. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:41-48.

Speech Rhythm Variation in Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease: A Study on Different Speaking Tasks

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) usually reveal speech disorders and, among other symptoms, the alteration of speech rhythm. The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to test the validity of two acoustic parameters-%V, vowel percentage and VtoV, the mean interval between two consecutive vowel onset points-for the identification of rhythm variation in early-stage PD speech and (2) to analyze the effect of PD on speech rhythm in two different speaking tasks: reading passage and monolog. A group of 20 patients with early-stage PD was involved in this study and compared with 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). The results of the acoustic analysis confirmed that %V is a useful cue for early-stage PD speech characterization, having significantly higher values in the production of patients with PD than the values in HC speech. A simple speaking task, such as the reading task, was found to be more effective than spontaneous speech in the detection of rhythmic variations.

Clinical Study of 668 Indian Subjects with Juvenile, Young, and Early Onset Parkinson's Disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine the demographic pattern of juvenile-onset parkinsonism (JP, <20 years), young-onset (YOPD, 20-40 years), and early onset (EOPD, 40-50 years) Parkinson's disease (PD) in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a 2-year, pan-India, multicenter collaborative study to analyze clinical patterns of JP, YOPD, and EOPD. All patients under follow-up of movement disorders specialists and meeting United Kingdom (UK) Brain Bank criteria for PD were included.

RESULTS

A total of 668 subjects (M:F 455:213) were recruited with a mean age at onset of 38.7 ± 8.1 years. The mean duration of symptoms at the time of study was 8 ± 6 years. Fifteen percent had a family history of PD and 13% had consanguinity. JP had the highest consanguinity rate (53%). YOPD and JP cases had a higher prevalence of consanguinity, dystonia, and gait and balance issues compared to those with EOPD. In relation to nonmotor symptoms, panic attacks and depression were more common in YOPD and sleep-related issues more common in EOPD subjects. Overall, dyskinesias were documented in 32.8%. YOPD subjects had a higher frequency of dyskinesia than EOPD subjects (39.9% vs. 25.5%), but they were first noted later in the disease course (5.7 vs. 4.4 years).

CONCLUSION

This large cohort shows differing clinical patterns in JP, YOPD, and EOPD cases. We propose that cutoffs of <20, <40, and <50 years should preferably be used to define JP, YOPD, and EOPD.

Effect of Chronic Methylphenidate Treatment in a Female Experimental Model of Parkinsonism

Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of ADHD in males and females. However, a majority of previous studies investigated the effect of MPH in only males, and little is known regarding consequences of female exposure to MPH. This is unfortunate because the few studies that have been conducted indicate that females have a greater sensitivity to MPH. Previous research in male mice has shown that chronic exposure to MPH causes dopaminergic neurons within the nigrostriatal pathway to be more sensitive to the Parkinsonian toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). However, estrogen has been shown to protect dopaminergic neurons from MPTP neurotoxicity. Therefore, in this study, we test the hypothesis that chronic MPH exposure in female mice will render dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway more sensitive to MPTP, and that estrogen may play a protective role. Interestingly, proestrus females exhibited greater sensitivity to MPTP, with significantly reduced dopaminergic neurons in the SN and significant increases in DA quinone production. Chronic MPH exposure contributed to GSH depletion, but surprisingly, it did not increase dopamine quinone levels or dopaminergic cell loss. There were no significant differences in anestrus animals, with the exception of a depletion in GSH seen when animals received chronic high-dose (10 mg/kg) MPH followed by MPTP. Thus, estrogen may actually sensitize neurons to MPTP in this model, and chronic MPH may contribute to GSH depletion within the striatum. This study provides insight into how chronic psychostimulant use may affect males and females differently.

Functional Connectomics and Disease Progression in Drug-Naïve Parkinson's Disease Patients

BACKGROUND

Functional brain connectivity alterations may be detectable even before the occurrence of brain atrophy, indicating their potential as early markers of pathological processes.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the whole-brain network topologic organization of the functional connectome in a large cohort of drug-naïve Parkinson's disease (PD) patients using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and to explore whether baseline connectivity changes may predict clinical progression.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-seven drug-naïve, cognitively unimpaired PD patients were enrolled in the study at baseline and compared to 38 age- and gender-matched controls. Non-hierarchical cluster analysis using motor and non-motor data was applied to stratify PD patients into two subtypes: 77 early/mild and 70 early/severe. Graph theory analysis and connectomics were used to assess global and local topological network properties and regional functional connectivity at baseline. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis investigated whether baseline functional imaging data were predictors of clinical progression over 2 years.

RESULTS

At baseline, widespread functional connectivity abnormalities were detected in the basal ganglia, sensorimotor, frontal, and occipital networks in PD patients compared to controls. Decreased regional functional connectivity involving mostly striato-frontal, temporal, occipital, and limbic connections differentiated early/mild from early/severe PD patients. Connectivity changes were found to be independent predictors of cognitive progression at 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed that functional reorganization of the brain connectome occurs early in PD and underlies crucial involvement of striatal projections. Connectomic measures may be helpful to identify a specific PD patient subtype, characterized by severe motor and non-motor clinical burden as well as widespread functional connectivity abnormalities. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Flexible brain dynamics underpins complex behaviours as observed in Parkinson's disease

Rapid reconfigurations of brain activity support efficient neuronal communication and flexible behaviour. Suboptimal brain dynamics is associated to impaired adaptability, possibly leading to functional deficiencies. We hypothesize that impaired flexibility in brain activity can lead to motor and cognitive symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To test this hypothesis, we studied the ‘functional repertoire’—the number of distinct configurations of neural activity—using source-reconstructed magnetoencephalography in PD patients and controls. We found stereotyped brain dynamics and reduced flexibility in PD. The intensity of this reduction was proportional to symptoms severity, which can be explained by beta-band hyper-synchronization. Moreover, the basal ganglia were prominently involved in the abnormal patterns of brain activity. Our findings support the hypotheses that: symptoms in PD relate to impaired brain flexibility, this impairment preferentially involves the basal ganglia, and beta-band hypersynchronization is associated with reduced brain flexibility. These findings highlight the importance of extensive functional repertoires for correct behaviour.

The Effects of Working Memory Updating Training in Parkinson's Disease: A Feasibility and Single-Subject Study on Cognition, Movement and Functional Brain Response

In Parkinson’s disease (PD), the fronto-striatal network is involved in motor and cognitive symptoms. Working memory (WM) updating training engages this network in healthy populations, as observed by improved cognitive performance and increased striatal BOLD signal. This two-part study aimed to assess the feasibility of WM updating training in PD and measure change in cognition, movement and functional brain response in one individual with PD after WM updating training. A feasibility and single-subject (FL) study were performed in which patients with PD completed computerized WM updating training. The outcome measures were the pre-post changes in criterion and transfer cognitive tests; cognitive complaints; psychological health; movement kinematics; and task-related BOLD signal. Participants in the feasibility study showed improvements on the criterion tests at post-test. FL displayed the largest improvements on the criterion tests and smaller improvements on transfer tests. Furthermore, FL reported improved cognitive performance in everyday life. A shorter onset latency and smoother upper-limb goal-directed movements were measured at post-test, as well as increased activation within the striatum and decreased activation throughout the fronto-parietal WM network. This two-part study demonstrated that WM updating training is feasible to complete for PD patients and that change occurred in FL at post-test in the domains of cognition, movement and functional brain response.

Non-motor impairments affect walking kinematics in Parkinson disease patients: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

In patients with Parkinson disease (PD), severe postural and gait impairments are rarely observed in early stage of disease and non-motor symptoms (NMS) are often overlooked.

OBJECTIVE

This observational study aimed to characterize the impact of non-motor impairments on walking kinematics in early stages PD patients, and to assess the differences of gait parameters and NMS between PD patients with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

METHODS

Twenty-six patients with Modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale score≤2 were evaluated for NMS using Kings Parkinson's Pain Scale, Parkinson Fatigue Severity scale, Parkinson Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, kinematic parameters through an inertial sensor and cognitive performance by a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.

RESULTS

Fatigue had a moderate negative correlation with step cadence, and a moderate to strong positive correlation with gait duration, Timed Up and Go (TUG) and TUG Dual Task (p < 0.01). Pain showed positive moderate correlation with gait duration (p < 0.01). Twelve patients resulted affected by MCI and reported significantly worse scores in gait duration, pain and fatigue (p < 0.05). According to cognitive z scores, PD-MCI group showed a moderate negative correlation between visuospatial abilities and fatigue (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

NMS significantly affect walking kinematics whereas a limited role of cognitive status on motor performance occur in the early PD stages.

Correlates of Psychological Distress in Patients with Parkinson's Disease During the COVID-19 Outbreak

BACKGROUND

Following the severe consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak, on March 9, 2020, the Italian government implemented extraordinary measures to limit viral transmission, including restrictive quarantine measures. This resulted in a rapid and profound change of people's daily lives.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the psychological impact of the 40-day quarantine in a large cohort of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and caregivers. Moreover, we analyzed whether prelockdown clinical features may be associated with subjective response of patients with PD to this traumatic event.

METHODS

A total of 94 patients with PD were enrolled in the study. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and the 12-item Zarit Burden Inventory were obtained from patients and caregivers by email. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine whether prelockdown clinical motor and nonmotor features were associated with the psychological impact of lockdown.

RESULTS

Regression analyses showed that prelockdown levels of anxiety, treatment-related motor complications, patients' quality of life, and lockdown hours per day were significantly associated with psychological impact measures of the 40-day quarantine. In addition, we showed that caregiver burden was correlated with overall patient autonomy and attention/memory impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified specific PD motor and nonmotor features potentially predisposing to higher psychological impact of stressful situations, such as quarantine. This may help guide postpandemic interventions and preventive strategies to avoid further impairment of psychological well-being in patients with PD.

[Parkinson's disease and it's look-alike]

The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) requires the exclusion of other diseases using various methods. However, it is difficult to differentiate these diseases based only on clinical symptoms, and information regarding responses to drugs and several imaging examinations are often needed for a diagnosis. In recent years, various neurological signs and symptoms have been reported that are particularly useful in neurological examinations for differentiating PD, progressive supranuclear palsy, and multiple system atrophy. Currently, diagnosis using imaging techniques and artificial intelligence are being developed, but systematic neurological examinations will continue to be important in diagnosing these diseases.

Connectivity Correlates of Anxiety Symptoms in Drug-Naive Parkinson's Disease Patients

BACKGROUND

Anxiety symptoms are common in Parkinson's disease (PD). A link between anxiety and cognitive impairment in PD has been demonstrated.

OBJECTIVES

Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated intrinsic brain network connectivity correlates of anxiety symptoms in a cohort of drug-naive, cognitively unimpaired patients with PD.

METHODS

The intrinsic functional brain connectivity of 25 drug-naive, cognitively unimpaired PD patients with anxiety, 25 without anxiety, and 20 matched healthy controls was compared. All patients underwent a detailed behavioral and neuropsychological evaluation. Anxiety presence and severity were assessed using the Parkinson's Disease Anxiety Scale. Single-subject and group-level independent component analyses were used to investigate functional connectivity differences within and between the major resting-state networks.

RESULTS

Decreased connectivity within the default-mode and sensorimotor networks (SMN), increased connectivity within the executive-control network (ECN), and divergent connectivity measures within salience and frontoparietal networks (SN and FPN) were detected in PD patients with anxiety compared with those without anxiety. Moreover, patients with anxiety showed a disrupted inter-network connectivity between SN and SMN, ECN, and FPN. Anxiety severity was correlated with functional abnormalities within these networks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that an abnormal intrinsic connectivity within and between the most reported large-scale networks may represent a potential neural correlate of anxiety symptoms in drug-naive PD patients even in the absence of clinically relevant cognitive impairment. We hypothesize that these specific cognitive and limbic network architecture changes may represent a potential biomarker of treatment response in clinical trials. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Validation of the Hebrew Version of the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale

BACKGROUND

The Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS) is a well-established tool for producing comprehensive assessments of severity and disability associated with dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The scale was originally developed in English, and a broad international effort has been undertaken to develop and validate versions in additional languages. Our aim was to validate the Hebrew version of the UDysRS.

METHODS

We translated the UDysRS into Hebrew, back-translated it into English, and carried out cognitive pretesting. We then administered the scale to non-demented native Hebrew-speaking patients who fulfilled the Brain Bank diagnostic criteria for probable PD (n = 250). Data were compared to the Reference Standard data used for validating UDysRS translations.

RESULTS

The different portions of the Hebrew UDysRS showed high internal consistency (α ≥ 0.92). A confirmatory factor analysis in which we compared the Hebrew UDysRS to the Reference Standard version produced a comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.98, exceeding the threshold criterion of CFI > 0.9 indicating factor validity. A secondary exploratory factor analysis provided further support to the consistency between the factor structures of the Hebrew and Reference Standard versions of the UDysRS.

CONCLUSION

The UDysRS Hebrew version shows strong clinimetric properties and fulfills the criteria for designation as an official International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society-approved translation for use in clinical and research settings.

Characterizing dysbiosis of gut microbiome in PD: evidence for overabundance of opportunistic pathogens

In Parkinson's disease (PD), gastrointestinal features are common and often precede the motor signs. Braak and colleagues proposed that PD may start in the gut, triggered by a pathogen, and spread to the brain. Numerous studies have examined the gut microbiome in PD; all found it to be altered, but found inconsistent results on associated microorganisms. Studies to date have been small (N = 20 to 306) and are difficult to compare or combine due to varied methodology. We conducted a microbiome-wide association study (MWAS) with two large datasets for internal replication (N = 333 and 507). We used uniform methodology when possible, interrogated confounders, and applied two statistical tests for concordance, followed by correlation network analysis to infer interactions. Fifteen genera were associated with PD at a microbiome-wide significance level, in both datasets, with both methods, with or without covariate adjustment. The associations were not independent, rather they represented three clusters of co-occurring microorganisms. Cluster 1 was composed of opportunistic pathogens and all were elevated in PD. Cluster 2 was short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and all were reduced in PD. Cluster 3 was carbohydrate-metabolizing probiotics and were elevated in PD. Depletion of anti-inflammatory SCFA-producing bacteria and elevated levels of probiotics are confirmatory. Overabundance of opportunistic pathogens is an original finding and their identity provides a lead to experimentally test their role in PD.

Saccadic Eye Movements in Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease - A BOLD fMRI Study

The objective of the present study was to understand control of saccadic eye movements in patients with young onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) where onset of disease symptoms appears early in life (<40 years of age). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in patients with YOPD and control subjects while they performed saccadic tasks, which consisted of a reflexive task and another task that required inhibitory control of eye movements (Go-NoGo task). Functional imaging related to saccadic eye movements in this group of patients has not been widely reported. A 1.5T MR scanner was used for structural and functional imaging. Analysis of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI was performed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) software and compared in patients and controls. In patients with YOPD greater activation was seen significantly in the middle frontal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus, angular gyrus, cingulate gyrus, precuneus and cerebellum, when compared with the control group, during the saccadic tasks. Gap and overlap protocols revealed differential activation patterns. The abnormal activation during reflexive saccades was observed in the overlap condition, while during Go-NoGo saccades in the gap condition. The results suggest that impaired circuitry in patients with YOPD results in recruitment of more cortical areas. This increased frontal and parietal cortical activity possibly reflects compensatory mechanisms for impaired cognitive and saccadic circuitry.

ALFF and ReHo Mapping Reveals Different Functional Patterns in Early- and Late-Onset Parkinson's Disease

Heterogeneity between late-onset Parkinson's disease (LOPD) and early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) is mainly reflected in the following aspects including genetics, disease progression, drug response, clinical manifestation, and neuropathological change. Although many studies have investigated these differences in relation to clinical significance, the functional processing circuits and underlying neural mechanisms have not been entirely understood. In this study, regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) maps were used to explore different spontaneous brain activity patterns in EOPD and LOPD patients. Abnormal synchronizations were found in the motor and emotional circuits of the EOPD group, as well as in the motor, emotional, and visual circuits of the LOPD group. EOPD patients showed functional activity change in the visual, emotional and motor circuits, and LOPD patients only showed increased functional activity in the emotional circuits. In summary, the desynchronization process in the LOPD group was relatively strengthened, and the brain areas with changed functional activity in the EOPD group were relatively widespread. The results might point out different impairments in the synchronization and functional activity for EOPD and LOPD patients.

Dopamine Transporter, Age, and Motor Complications in Parkinson's Disease: A Clinical and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Study

BACKGROUND

Previous molecular imaging studies comparing dopamine function in vivo between early-onset PD and late-onset PD patients have shown contradictory results, presumably attributable to the aging-related decline in nigrostriatal function.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To investigate baseline dopamine transporter availability in early-onset PD (<55 years) and late-onset PD (>70 years) patients, z-scores values of putamen and caudate [¹²³ I]-ioflupane uptake were calculated using the respective age-matched controls in order to correct for early presynaptic compensatory mechanisms and age-related dopamine neuron loss; (2) to examine the associations of such baseline single-photon emission computed tomography measures with the emergence of late-disease motor complications.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 105 de novo PD patients who underwent [¹²³ I]-ioflupane single-photon emission computed tomography at time of diagnosis were divided into three tertile groups according to age at disease onset (35 early-onset PD and 40 late-onset PD patients). Z-scores were compared between the two groups, and their predictive power for motor complications (during a mean follow-up of 7 years) was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Despite a less-severe motor phenotype, early-onset PD patients exhibited more reduced [¹²³ I]-ioflupane binding in the putamen and had a higher and earlier risk for developing motor complications than those with late-onset PD. Lower [¹²³ I]-Ioflupane uptake in the putamen and caudate increased the risk of motor complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that a lower dopamine transporter binding in early-onset PD predicts the later development of motor complications, but it is not related to severity of motor symptoms, suggesting age-related differences in striatal compensatory mechanisms in PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Frontal theta and beta oscillations during lower-limb movement in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVES

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have deficits in lower-limb functions such as gait, which involves both cognitive and motor dysfunction. In PD, theta and beta brain rhythms are associated with cognitive and motor functions, respectively. We tested the hypothesis that PD patients with lower-limb abnormalities would exhibit abnormal theta and beta rhythms in the mid-frontal cortical region during lower-limb action.

METHODS

This study included thirty-nine participants; 13 PD patients with FOG (PDFOG+), 13 without FOG (PDFOG-), and 13 demographically-matched controls. We recorded scalp electroencephalograms (EEG) during a lower-limb pedaling motor task, which required intentional initiation and stopping of a motor movement.

RESULTS

FOG scores were correlated with disease severity and cognition. PDFOG+ patients pedaled with reduced speed and decreased acceleration compared to PDFOG- patients and controls. PDFOG+ patients exhibited attenuated theta-band (4-8 Hz) power and increased beta-band (13-30 Hz) power at mid-frontal electrode Cz during pedaling. Frontal theta- and beta-band oscillations also correlated with motor and cognitive deficits.

CONCLUSION

Frontal theta and beta oscillations are predictors of lower-limb motor symptoms in PD and could be used to design neuromodulation for PD-related lower-limb abnormalities.

SIGNIFICANCE

These data provide insight into mechanisms of lower-limb dysfunction in PD with FOG.

Screening of the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene in South Africans of African ancestry with Parkinson's disease

Sequence variants in glucocerebrosidase (GBA) are a major genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), and display ethnic-dependent frequencies, for example, variants such as p.N370S and 84insGG are common in Ashkenazi Jewish patients. Notably, there are limited studies on black patients from the African continent; hence, we conducted a study on 30 South African black PD patients. All 11 exons of GBA were screened using a nested PCR approach to avoid pseudogene contamination. We identified previously described Gaucher's disease-associated variants, p.R120W in one patient [age at onset (AAO) of 35 years], and p.R131L in another patient (AAO 30 years) and in her affected sibling (AAO 45 years). In addition, we found 3 previously identified [p.K(-27)R, p.T36del, and p.Q497*] and 2 novel (p.F216L and p.G478R) variants. Screening of ethnic-matched controls for the novel variants revealed that the allele frequency of p.F216L was 9.9%, whereas p.G478R was not found in the controls. Studies such as these are important and necessary to reveal the genetic architecture underlying PD in the understudied patients of African ancestry.

Texture features of magnetic resonance images: A marker of slight cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment is a frequent nonmotor symptom of Parkinson's disease. Depending on severity, patients are considered to have mild cognitive impairment or dementia. However, among the cognitively intact patients, some may have deficits in a less severe range. The early detection of such subtle symptoms may be important for the initiation of care strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To identify imaging markers of early cognitive symptoms, potentially before usual signs, such as atrophy, become manifest.

METHODS

A total of 102 patients with Parkinson's disease and 17 age-matched cognitively intact healthy controls underwent extensive neuropsychological assessment and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Parkinson's disease patients were separated into 3 groups according to their cognitive status: intact, with slight slowing, and with mild deficits in executive functions. Texture features as measured by first-order and second-order statistics were computed in the following 6 brain regions: the hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, putamen, caudate nucleus, and pallidum. They were tested between the groups, and their correlation with cognition was examined. Volumetric measurements were made for comparison.

RESULTS

Texture analysis showed significant between-group differences for 2 features-skewness and entropy in the hippocampus, the thalamus, and the amygdala-and the volume analysis revealed no between-group difference. These features were significantly correlated with cognitive performance.

CONCLUSION

These results support the assumption that signal alterations associated with Parkinson's disease-related cognitive decline can be captured very early by texture analysis. As these changes appear to reflect clinical phenomena, texture analysis may be a promising marker for helping cognitive phenotyping in Parkinson's disease. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.