EAN 2023 | Early Parkinson’s detection: identifying prodromal signs and ethical considerations

Early detection of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is vital. According to K. Ray Chaudhuri, MD, DSc, FRCP, FEAN, King’s College London, London, UK, two key early-stage indicators of PD are REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and hyposmia. The presence of these prodromal non-motor conditions should prompt screening for other issues such as anxiety, depression, pain, and daytime somnolence. If these conditions are identified, it may warrant an early Parkinson’s diagnosis, even in the absence of prominent motor symptoms. A DaTscan may also help to complete the picture. Although promising, it is important to consider the societal and ethical implications of an early Parkinson’s diagnoses, including their impact on insurance and the need for emotional counseling. Prof. Chaudhuri emphasizes the need to address these concerns before further advancing the prodromal PD procedure. This interview took place at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2023 Congress in Budapest, Hungary.

These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.