A comparative study of volume and surface changes in early onset Parkinson’s Disease compared to age related controls

Motivation: Early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) often presents various symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose and understand. Goal(s): To investigate brain gray matter (GM) atrophy and cortical complexity in EOPD patients, compared to healthy controls using MRI, and to assess the relationship between brain atrophy and clinical variables. Approach: Study measured GM volume and cortical features in EOPD patients to identify significant changes with respect to controls. Results: EOPD patients showed significant GM atrophy in regions related to motor and cognitive functions. Decreased cortical complexity in specific brain areas was associated with severe motor impairments and higher medication doses, highlighting the progressive nature of EOPD. Impact: Distinct patterns of brain atrophy and cortical alterations in EOPD, suggest disruption of folding architecture of the cortex in patients with PD and reduced cortical complexity with LEDD, and could guide more accurate monitoring of treatments.