Progressive parkinsonism in older adults is related to the burden of mixed brain pathologies.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine whether indices of Parkinson disease (PD) pathology and other brain pathologies are associated with the progression of parkinsonism in older adults.

Methods

We used data from decedents who had undergone annual clinical testing prior to death and structured brain autopsy. Parkinsonism was based on assessment with a modified Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and a clinical diagnosis of PD was based on medical history. We used a series of mixed-effects models controlling for age and sex to investigate the association of PD pathology (nigral neuronal loss and Lewy bodies) and indices of 8 other brain pathologies with the progression of parkinsonism prior to death.

Results

During an average of 8.5 years' follow-up, more than half (771/1,430, 53.

SUBMITTER: Buchman AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6550497 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature