Study Rationale: Most studies on Parkinson’s disease (PD) are focused on patients in Europe and North America. It is crucial to investigate patterns and the causes PD in other parts of the world. It could be very helpful in finding out the basic cause(s) of PD. The disease is partly inherited but environmental factors can contribute. The more we find out about the biology causing PD and possible environmental causes, the more likely it is that we find the origin of PD.
Hypothesis: We believe that PD patients in Africa developed the disease based on different risk factors compared to patients in Europe and North America.
Study Design: The study will be carried out in four countries: Namibia, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Participants will undergo MRI and PET scans to ensure they have PD. Neurologists will compare participants from the listed countries to a control group of European descent. They will participate in a standardized exam that assessed common problems such sense of smell, sleep disorders and memory.
Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s disease: Results can help us differentiate the genetic and environmental causes of PD in people living in Africa compared to individuals living in Europe and North America.
Next Steps for Development: Researchers will work with the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) to investigate the differences in genes of people with PD in Africa.