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Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports

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01-09-2013 | Neuroimaging (DJ Brooks)

Cholinergic Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease

Authors: Martijn L. T. M. Müller, Nicolaas I. Bohnen

Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports | Issue 9/2013

Abstract

There is increasing interest in the clinical effects of cholinergic basal forebrain and tegmental pedunculopontine complex (PPN) projection degeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent evidence supports an expanded role beyond cognitive impairment, including effects on olfaction, mood, REM sleep behavior disorder, and motor functions. Cholinergic denervation is variable in PD without dementia and may contribute to clinical symptom heterogeneity. Early in vivo imaging evidence that impaired cholinergic integrity of the PPN associates with frequent falling in PD is now confirmed by human post-mortem evidence. Brainstem cholinergic lesioning studies in primates confirm the role of the PPN in mobility impairment. Degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic projections correlates with decreased walking speed. Cumulatively, these findings provide evidence for a new paradigm to explain dopamine-resistant features of mobility impairments in PD. Recognition of the increased clinical role of cholinergic system degeneration may motivate new research to expand indications for cholinergic therapy in PD.

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Title: Cholinergic Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Martijn L. T. M. Müller
Nicolaas I. Bohnen
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports / Issue 9/2013
Print ISSN: 1528-4042
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6293
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-013-0377-9

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Cholinergic Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease

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