The prevalence and genetics of Parkinson's disease in sub-Saharan Africans
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Date
2013-12-15
Authors
Blanckenberg, J.
Bardien, S.
Glanzmann, B.
Okubadejo, N.U.
Carr, J.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is under-studied in Black Sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations. To date, there have been only six prevalence and no incidence studies. The crude prevalence of PD in SSA varies from 7 to 20 per 100,000, which is appreciably lower than in Caucasian populations. There are a limited number of published studies (nine) on the genetic factors associated with PD in SSA populations. Mutations have been reported in the parkin gene, and are restricted to only three patients (two Black South Africans and one Zambian). No mutations have been identified in the LRRK2, SNCA, PINK, or DJ-1 genes. Given the unique ancestry of SSA populations, their inclusion in genetic studies may provide a substantial contribution to the identification of novel genetic factors and genetic-environmental interactions underlying this disorder. More initiatives are needed to drive further research on PD in these populations and to facilitate collaborative projects across Africa.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Epidemiology , Etiology , Genetic studies , Parkinson's disease , Prevalence , Sub-Saharan Africa , Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE
Citation
Blanckenberg J, Bardien S, Glanzmann B, Okubadejo NU, Carr JA. The prevalence and genetics of Parkinson's disease in sub-Saharan Africans. J Neurol Sci. 2013 Dec 15;335(1-2):22-5.