Mutations in the GBA gene, implicated in Gaucher's disease, have also been found to play a role in the susceptibility to and age of onset of PD. Additionally, GBA mutations are highly correlated with the presence of cognitive deficits and dementia in this PD population, and some studies have shown a relationship between GBA mutations and the presence of posture and gait disturbances. Studies have primarily focused on patients of Jewish ancestry; this study, however, has revealed similar findings in non-Jewish subjects, adding further credence to the possibility that these mutations are the most common genetic risk factor for PD. Should more attention be given to GBA mutations based on these findings? What could these findings mean for development of therapeutics to treat associated symptoms of cognitive deficits and posture/gait problems?
Comparative studies of the frequency of beta-glucosidase (GBA) mutations in patients versus control subjects suggest an association with Parkinson's disease. However, the contribution ...
Mutations in the GBA gene, implicated in Gaucher's disease, have also been found to play a role in the susceptibility to and age of onset of PD. Additionally, GBA mutations are highly correlated with the presence of cognitive deficits and dementia in this PD population, and some studies have shown a relationship between GBA mutations and the presence of posture and gait disturbances. Studies have primarily focused on patients of Jewish ancestry; this study, however, has revealed similar findings in non-Jewish subjects, adding further credence to the possibility that these mutations are the most common genetic risk factor for PD. Should more attention be given to GBA mutations based on these findings? What could these findings mean for development of therapeutics to treat associated symptoms of cognitive deficits and posture/gait problems?