Dr. Susan Baser of the Neurology Department at the
University of Pittsburgh , conducted a survey last fall of all
Parkinson patients in the region on the Information &
Referral Center mailing list. The results of this survey of
approximately 260 respondents indicates a family history of
PD in 25% of these respondents. More significantly,
patients with a mother affected with ParkinsonAEs disease
tended to get the disease 10-15 years younger than those
with other affected relatives or no history of PD in the
family.
This finding is very significant, and suggests
genetic anticipation, which points to a specific genetic
defect which may be occurring in these patients. This
genetic defect may include the presence of expanded
trinucleotide repeats, which have recently been implicated
in several neurologic conditions, including HuntingtonAEs
disease, KennedyAEs syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy, and
DRPLA.
Simultaneous with the discovery of possible genetic
anticipation in the respondents studied at Pitt, Haydeh
Payami, Ph.D., University of Oregon, published similar
results in Annals of Neurology 1995. Due to the similar
experimental design Pitt and the University of Oregon are
working in collaboration on this project.
Dr. Baser is seeking patients with living, affected
relatives that also have ParkinsonAEs disease. These patients
will be asked to donate a small tube of blood and be asked
a family history. The importance of this study is the
possibility of presymptomatic diagnosis so that earlier
treatment can begin.
Persons interested in participating in this study are
asked to contact Fran Brant (412-692-4610) or Kara
Levison (412-624-0133).
