Body composition, atherosclerosis, and diabetes in Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, non-motor, and cognitive decline manifestations. Some symptoms of PD may be present decades before the diagnosis of PD. Earlier detection of these symptoms may lead to closer follow-up and administration of protective measures to potentially prevent or delay the onset of disease. Weight loss and losing body fat and lean mass are frequently observed in PD patients and are associated with more severe outcomes. Some studies reported that weight loss starts 4 to 7 years before PD diagnosis. But it is not yet established as a predictive marker for PD. Atherosclerosis and metabolic risk factors are also reported to be potential predictive factors for PD and they share some similar underlying risk factors (i.e., aging, male sex). In this study, we aim to evaluate if atherosclerosis, body composition, and metabolic factors predate the development of new PD/Parkinsonism.