Neuroimaging abnormalities in individuals exhibiting Parkinson's disease risk markers

Abstract

PD-free individuals with PD risk markers show microstructural changes of the white matter, including areas relevant for motor and limbic processes. In addition, our study provides for the first time a neuroanatomical correlate for SN hyperechogenicity. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Olfactory Dysfunction in Familial and Sporadic Parkinson's Disease

“…Thus, genome-wide screens in PD subjects for variants that influence risk of severe OD or protect from developing OD may identify genetic factors that increase risk of, or offer protection from, cognitive impairment in PD. PD-associated changes to central brain networks, brain-region specific structural integrity, and functional connectivity also are associated with OD (151)(152)(153)(154)(155)(156)(157)(158)(159)(160)(161). The importance of functional connectivity is highlighted by theta-specific phase coupling between the piriform cortex and hippocampus in the rapid differentiation of odor stimuli (162), and the ability of anosmic subjects having diminished functional connectivity to activate an olfaction-related functional network (163).…”

Illuminating basal ganglia and beyond in Parkinson's disease

“…Three types of biomarkers were investigated that can investigate iron load, neuromelanin content, and microstructural changes using diffusion imaging in the SN. The findings from these articles use different designs and cut across pathological validation and longitudinal progression of MRI iron‐sensitive markers in the SN, the relationship between neuromelanin changes in the SN and brain stem atrophy in PSP, and diffusion changes in a novel at‐risk cohort …”

“…The findings from these articles use different designs and cut across pathological validation and longitudinal progression of MRI iron-sensitive markers in the SN, the relationship between neuromelanin changes in the SN and brain stem atrophy in PSP, and diffusion changes in a novel at-risk cohort. [3][4][5][6] Lewis and colleagues 5 provide a unique study to compare susceptibility measurements from a T2*-weighted multigradient-echo sequence and pathology from tissue in the same individuals. The authors compared R2* and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) of the SN directly with pathology, including SN cell counts, α-synuclein, tau, and iron quantification.…”

“…In a unique study examining a group of people that are at risk for PD, Heldman and colleagues 4 show new insights into neuroimaging abnormalities that are associated with PD risk markers. The authors combined both diffusion tensor imaging and transcranial sonography (TCS) to study a group of older adults that do not have a PD diagnosis.…”

Discordance in monozygotic Parkinson's disease twins – continuum or dichotomy?

“…All 620 control subjects of the EPIPARK cohort were assessed similar to the twins; however, a standard version of the UPDRS III was used and TCS was performed using the Acuson Antares ultrasound system (Siemens) as previously described . The study was approved by the local ethics committee and written informed consent was obtained from all participants.…”