Lower cognitive performance in healthy G2019S LRRK2 mutation carriers.
OBJECTIVE
To assess cognitive abilities of healthy first-degree relatives of Ashkenazi patients with Parkinson disease (PD), carriers of the G2019S mutation in the LRRK2 gene.


METHODS
In this observational study, 60 consecutive healthy first-degree relatives (aged 50.9 ± 6.2 years; 48% male; 30 G2019S carriers) were assessed using a computerized cognitive program, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment questionnaire, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III, and the Geriatric Depression Scale.


RESULTS
G2019S carriers scored significantly lower on the computerized executive function index (p = 0.04) and on specific executive function tasks (Stroop test, p = 0.007).


CONCLUSIONS
Carrying the LRRK2 G2019S mutation was associated with lower executive performance in a population at risk for PD.
Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel.
Avner
A
Thaler
Anat
A
Mirelman
Tanya
T
Gurevich
Ely
E
Simon
Avi
A
Orr-Urtreger
Karen
K
Marder
Susan
S
Bressman
Nir
N
Giladi
D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D000071158:Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000235:genetics*
C495280:LRRK2 protein, human; D000071158:Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases