• BMB Reports
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.243-248
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• 2015

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common cause of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). As such, functions and dysfunctions of LRRK2 in PD have been the subject of extensive investigation. In addition to PD, increasing evidence is suggesting that LRRK2 is associated with a wide range of diseases. Genome-wide association studies have implicated LRRK2 in Crohn's disease (CD) and leprosy, and the carriers with pathogenic mutations of LRRK2 show increased risk to develop particular types of cancer. LRRK2 mutations are rarely found in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but LRRK2 might play a part in tauopathies. The association of LRRK2 with the pathogenesis of apparently unrelated diseases remains enigmatic, but it might be related to the yet unknown diverse functions of LRRK2. Here, we reviewed current knowledge on the link between LRRK2 and several diseases, including PD, AD, CD, leprosy, and cancer, and discussed the possibility of targeting LRRK2 in such diseases. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(5): 243-248]

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.9
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• pp.533-539
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• 2019

Recent evidence from genetics, animal model systems and biochemical studies suggests that defects in membrane trafficking play an important part in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) constitute the most frequent genetic cause of both familial and sporadic PD, and LRRK2 has been suggested as a druggable target for PD. Although the precise physiological function of LRRK2 remains largely unknown, mounting evidence suggests that LRRK2 controls membrane trafficking by interacting with key regulators of the endosomal-lysosomal pathway and synaptic recycling. In this review, we discuss the genetic, biochemical and functional links between LRRK2 and membrane trafficking. Understanding the mechanism by which LRRK2 influences such processes may contribute to the development of disease-modifying therapies for PD.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2009

Background: To investigate the differences of locomotor dynamics between Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with tremor dominant symptom and patients with postural instability dominant symptom. Methods: 66 subjects with PD were classified into two subgroups, tremor-dominant group and postural instability and gait disorder group by Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS). The spatial, temporal and electrodynamic gait parameters were recorded automatically using computerized 3-D motion analysis system with electrogoniometer. Results: There was no significant difference in cadence, pelvic tilt range, hip flexion range, knee flexion range and ankle dorsiflexion range. Postural instability and gait disorder group showed decreased gait velocity, short stride length, decreased range of motion in pelvic obliquity, pelvic rotation and ankle plantar flexion. Conclusions: There was meaningful difference in locomotor dynamics between Parkinson's disease(PD) patients with tremor dominant symptom and patients with postural instability dominant symptom.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.70-78
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• 2009

This study was designed to examine a 3-week modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) to the less-affected arm of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) would improve function of the more-affected arm in PD. The subjects were 6 institutional older adults with PD and clients of the social welfare facilities. The subjects (2 men, 4 women) ranged in age from 66 to 90 years (mean age 77.2 yrs). Three clinical tests were used to determine the improvement of functional activity between before and after modified CIMT. The tests included Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). There were significantly differences after the modified CIMT for time performance in WMFT and pinch in ARAT (p<.05), No significant difference was noted after the modified CIMT for UPDRS and functional ability scale in WMFT. Therefore, the modified CIMT might improve time performance and is available to therapeutic program helping them improve functional ability for upper extremity in Parkinson's disease.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.350-361
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the level of bone mineral densities of the femur neck and to identify factors affecting bone mineral density of the femur in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Methods: Participants were 121 PD patients visiting the outpatient clinic of D University Hospital in B City. Bone mineral density was measured at the femur neck by using a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The serum vitamin D level, the amounts of milk intake, caffeine intake, cigaret smoking, and alcohol consumption, and the number of steps taken daily were measured. Past and present disease history, the medication history, and duration of the disease were also collected. The level of disability was obtained by neurologists using the Hoehn and Yahr stage and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Results: Among PD patients, 57% had osteopenia and 15.7% had osteoporosis. The bone mineral density of the femur was associated with weight, serum vitamin D level, age, and working status. Conclusion: The identification of weight and serum vitamin D level as important predictive factors emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition for PD patients.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.240-251
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• 2012

Assessment regarding the nutritional status of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients is important because their nutritional status influences the outcome of disease. The purpose of this study investigated the dietary habits, dietary quality, and quality of life for Korean PD patients according to their nutritional status. Seventy PD patients were recruited from K University Hospital (KMC IRB#0918-07) from February 2010 to October 2011. To diagnose PD, the United Kingdom Parkinson's Society Brain Bank standards were used by a neurology physician. The participants were interviewed and assessed using various tools, including a general questionnaire, anthropometrics, questionnaires for dietary habits, dietary diversity score (DVS), dietary variety score (DVS), diet quality index-international (DQI-I), beck depression inventory (BDI), the Korean version of mini mental state examination (K-MMSE), and 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). The results of the study were as follows: 1) Most of the PD patients (69.0%) were at risk of malnutrition, and 8.5% and 22.5% of the subjects were malnourished and well-nourished, respectively. 2) Clinical symptoms (swallowing and chewing difficulties) were obvious, and the quality of diet (DDS, DVS, DQI-I) was low in the malnourished group (p < 0.01). 3) The malnourished group had significantly lower scores regarding SF-36 (quality of life) as well as that of cognitive function (p < 0.05). 4) The nutritional status of PD patients was significantly correlated with their depression (p < 0.05) and quality of life (p < 0.01). These results indicate that appropriate nutritional management will improve the nutritional status and quality of life as well as the cognitive function in Parkinson's disease patients.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.283-293
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• 2015

Purpose: Depression is a common sign of suffering among the patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Frequent and severe neuropsychiatric symptoms lead to high levels of distress in patients and their caregivers, which results in the high levels of caregiver burden. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of caregiver burden in caregivers of the patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: The study included 183 consecutive PD patients and their caregivers. Patients were assessed using the Hoehn and Yahr scale, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale. Caregivers' depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Caregiver Burden Inventor (CBI), BDI, and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale. Results: All of the patients reported one or more neuropsychiatric symptoms. Patients' and caregivers' depressive symptoms, caregivers' age and education, time for caregiving, and quality of life were significantly associated with the increased caregiver burden. After controlling the level of education as a potential confounding variable, depression in both patients and caregivers, time for caregiving, and quality of life explained 45.6% of the variance in caregiver burden. Conclusion: Substantial attention needs to be given to the early identification of depression in PD patients and their caregivers to improve caregivers' quality of life and burden.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.1081-1091
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• 2004

Purpose: This study was done to identify the risk factors associated with falls among patients with Parkinson's Disease(PD). Method: A retrospective study design was used through the collection of physiological and physical health, and psychosocial functions. Results: Of the 100 participants, fifty-nine(59%) reported one or more falls and seventy-one(71%) reported one or more near-falls. Anaverage 34.7 falls and 150.3 near-falls were reported in the previous year per person. Stage of PD, foot problems, balance, fear of falling, and activities of daily living were significantly associated with an increased risk of falls. Conclusion: The findings confirm the high risk of falling in PD patients. Also these results have implications for developing fall prevention programs for PD patients.

• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• v.33 no.47
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• pp.300.1-300.17
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• 2018

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Although its major manifestation is motor symptoms, resulting from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, hallucination, delusion, apathy and anhedonia, impulsive and compulsive behaviors, and cognitive dysfunction, may also manifest in most patients with PD. Given that the quality of life - and the need for institutionalization - is so highly dependent on the psychiatric well-being of patients with PD, psychiatric symptoms are of high clinical significance. We reviewed the prevalence, risk factors, pathophysiology, and treatment of psychiatric symptoms to get a better understanding of PD for improved management.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.105-113
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the roles and function of family in mediating the relationship between depression and quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Most studies have found that depression is particularly common in patients with PD and further associated with poor quality of life. Family function, as a mediator, is based on a strength orientation perspective that emphasizes not only their responsibilities and risks but also recuperative powers and growth potential. Methods: Overall 157 adults with idiopathic Parkinson's disease were enrolled in this study via outpatient clinic and completed a set of assessment to measure depression using BDI, family APGAR questionnaire, and patients' quality of life using PDQ-8. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the mediating role of family APGAR score in the relationship between BDI and PDQ-8. Results: Patients' depression, gait disturbance, duration of illness, and family function were statistically significant on quality of life. These factors accounted for 60% of the variance in quality of life. Family function has a partial mediating effect on the relationship between depression and quality of life. Conclusion: Findings from the study suggest that although PD patients' depression impacts their quality of life, by having strong family function, the extent to which depression impacts the quality of life can be favorably mitigated. Additionally, these outcomes have important implications for future model development regarding PD patients.