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Factors influencing the development of early- or late-onset Parkinson’s disease in a cohort of South African patients
Abstract
Aims. To identify factors influencing EOPD and LOPD development in a group of patients in South Africa (SA).
Methods. A total of 397 unrelated PD patients were recruited from the Movement Disorders Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital and via the Parkinson’s Association of SA. Patient demographic and environmental data were recorded and associations with PD onset (EOPD v. LOPD) were analysed with a Pearson’s Chi-squared test. The English- and Afrikaans-speaking (Afrikaner) white patients were analysed separately.
Results. Logistic regression analysis showed that ethnicity (p<0.001) and family history (p=0.004) were independently associated with AAO of PD. Average AAO was younger in black, coloured and Afrikaner patients than English-speaking white patients. A positive family history of PD, seen in 31.1% of LOPD patients, was associated with a younger AAO in the study population.
Conclusions. These associations may be attributed to specific genetic and/or environmental risk factors that increase PD susceptibility and influence the clinical course of the disorder. More studies on PD in the unique SA populations are required to provide novel insights into mechanisms underlying this debilitating condition.
Authors' affiliations
Celia van der Merwe, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape
William Haylett, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape
Justin Harvey, Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape
Debbie Lombard, Division of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape
Soraya Bardien, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape
Jonathan Carr, Division of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape
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Article History
Date published: 2012-10-01
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