Global Symposium: Genetics and Parkinson's (2024)

In this webinar, Dr. Thomas Gasser, professor of neurology and director of the Department of Neurodegeneration at Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research in Germany, explored the history and scientific understanding of Parkinson's disease, highlighting the contributions of key researchers such as James Parkinson, Arvid Carlsson, Walter Birkmayer, and Oleh Hornykiewicz.

The webinar covered the pathology of Lewy bodies and the aggregation of alpha-synuclein, as well as the genetic basis of inherited forms of Parkinson's disease discovered through linkage mapping studies. It emphasized the long premotor phase characterized by non-motor symptoms, such as loss of smell and REM sleep behaviour disorder, and discussed the ascending pattern of Lewy body pathology in the brain. Additionally, the talk mentioned recent advancements in detecting Parkinson’s biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid, aiming for early diagnosis and treatment before motor symptoms manifest.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**