Objective: To study and systematize the clinical characteristics of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their role in differential diagnosis with other parkinsonian syndromes.
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD), marked by dopaminergic neuron loss, has overlapping symptoms complicating early diagnosis. This study explores PD’s clinical features and differentiation from atypical parkinsonism, emphasizing molecular/genetic markers and neuroimaging for precise diagnosis.
Method: The study was conducted in the department of neurology in Avicenna Tajik State Medical University on the bases of memorandum with Laboratory of Neurogenetics Institute of Neurology UCL, including 60 patients with suspected PD. The analysis includes motor and non-motor symptoms, current diagnostic methods and promising biomarkers. PD diagnosis was based on clinical criteria, symptom analysis, levodopa response, and MRI. Motor and cognitive functions were assessed using Hoehn and Yahr, and MoCA scales.
Results: The study included 60 patients, with Parkinson’s disease (PD) confirmed in 45 (75%) and atypical parkinsonian syndromes (e.g., MSA, PSP) in 15 (25%). PD patients exhibited bradykinesia (100%), rigidity (92%), resting tremor (80%), and non-motor symptoms like anosmia (60%) and cognitive decline (58%). Atypical syndromes lacked resting tremor (83%), showed early postural instability/dementia (60%), and had poor levodopa response (70%), with syndrome-specific signs (e.g., dysautonomia in MSA [55%]). Genetic testing in 7 PD patients revealed PARK1/PARK8 mutations in 2 cases.
Conclusion: Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains a clinical diagnosis, supported by tools like the UPDRS scale, cognitive assessments, and neuroimaging. Early non-motor symptoms, levodopa response, and genetic testing aid differentiation. Emerging biomarkers and advanced imaging may enable earlier detection and personalized therapies.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
M. Ganieva, L. Tolibova. Clinical Characteristics of Parkinsons Disease and their Role in Differential Diagnosis [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/clinical-characteristics-of-parkinsons-disease-and-their-role-in-differential-diagnosis/. Accessed November 20, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/clinical-characteristics-of-parkinsons-disease-and-their-role-in-differential-diagnosis/