Characteristics of Parkinson s Disease Associated With the LRRK-2 Gene Mutation

This study will identify symptoms and other characteristics of Parkinson s disease that may be associated with changes in a gene called leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). Changes in this gene have been found in patients with and without a family history of Parkinson s disease. This study will examine people with Parkinson s disease to try to identify how symptoms develop over time. First-degree relatives of patients will also be studied.

People 18 years of age or older with Parkinson s disease or people who have a first-degree relative with Parkinson s disease may be eligible for this study.

Participants visit the NIH Clinical Center every other year for 10 years for some or all of the procedures listed below. Each visit requires 3-4 days of testing, which may be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Telephone interviews are conducted during the alternate years.

• History and physical examination.
• Smell testing: Subjects are asked to identify 40 different scents.
• Sensory testing: Objects with grooves and ridges are touched to subjects fingertips. With their eyes closed, the subjects are asked to say which way the grooves and ridges run on the objects.
• Neuropsychological evaluation: Subjects are asked about their memory and thinking and may be asked to complete some pen and paper tests.
• Psychiatric evaluation: Subjects are asked about psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
• Blood drawing: Blood is drawn through a needle in the arm.
• Magnetic imaging resonance (MRI) scans of the brain: MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to obtain images of body organs and tissues. During the test, subjects lie on a table that can slide in and out of the MRI scanner (a metal cylinder surrounded by a strong magnetic field). The procedure lasts about 30 minutes, during which the subjects may be asked to lie still for up to 5 minutes at a time.
• Transcranial sonography (TCS): TCS uses sound waves to obtain images of the brain. Subjects lie on their back and an ultrasound device is moved around the scalp.
• Sleep study (1-2 night hospital admission): Subjects brain waves are recorded during sleep using electroencephalography (EEG). Their breathing rate, pulse and oxygen level are also monitored.
• Questionnaire: Subjects complete several questionnaires designed to obtain information on symptoms or traits that have been reported to be associated with Parkinson s disease.