Expanding the Spectrum of GBA1-Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in an Italian Family

Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2024 Aug;11(8):1030-1034. doi: 10.1002/mdc3.14146. Epub 2024 Jun 16.

Abstract

Background: Heterozygous mutations in GBA1 gene are known as most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, role of GBA1 mutations in non-α-synuclein disorders is unclear.

Cases: Case index, 76 year-old woman referred to our movement disorders outpatient clinic for 2-year history of gait impairment, falls and motor slowness, with partial response to levodopa. Clinical and instrumental examinations were consistent with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy-Corticobasal Syndrome (PSP-CBS). Case 2 is older sister reporting depressive symptoms; however, she had dementia (MMSE 18/30), gait apraxia and vertical supranuclear gaze palsy (VSNGP). Case 3 is her deceased older sister who had been diagnosed with Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS). Case 4, older brother had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease-dementia (PDD) with good response to levodopa. Two affected living siblings harboring same genetic variant.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first family showing such intrafamilial variability ranging from CBS to PDD to dementia.

Keywords: GBA1; corticobasal syndrome; phenotypic heterogeneity; synucleinopathies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Glucosylceramidase* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / genetics
  • Parkinson Disease / complications
  • Parkinson Disease / genetics
  • Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive / genetics

Substances

  • Glucosylceramidase
  • GBA protein, human