EAN 2021 | Genetic testing is becoming increasingly important in Parkinson’s disease

Alessio Di Fonzo, MD, PhD, IRCCS Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy, talks on the role of genetic testing in Parkinson’s disease. It is thought that heterogeneity of Parkinson’s is a major contributor to the failure of disease modification trials to date, with a single treatment unlikely to be effective in all patients. As our understanding of the impact of different genetic variants is increasing, a growing number of trials assessing potential disease-modifying therapies are enrolling patients with specific variants. Therefore, it is important to test patients to give them the opportunity to participate in clinical trials with genetically based inclusion criteria. Additionally, Parkinson’s disease variants show different disease courses and symptomatology. Identifying their underlying genetic changes is important for optimal management of a patient’s care. This interview took place during the European Academy of Neurology 2021 congress.