synucleinopathy

A neurodegenerative disease characterised by the abnormal accumulation of aggregates of alpha-synuclein in neurons, nerve fibres or glial cells.

(Types)
• Parkinson's disease
• dementia with Lewy bodies
• multiple system atrophy
• various neuroaxonal dystrophies
• Alzheimer's disease with amygdala restricted Lewy bodies

Alpha-synuclein (precursor of the non-Abeta component of Alzheimer's disease amyloid or NACP) is a neuronal protein that regulates synaptic vesicle trafficking and subsequent neurotransmitter release. It is abundant in the brain, while smaller amounts are found in the heart, muscle and other tissues including circulating blood cells.
In the brain, it is found mainly in the axon terminals of presynaptic neurons, where it interacts with phospholipids and proteins, and also associated with nuclear envelopes. In the central nervous system, it is abundantly expressed in neurons of different brain areas such as the neocortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra pars compacta, thalamus, and cerebellum.

Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites comprised of alpha-synuclein are intraneuronal inclusions that characterize Parkinson's disease.
Lewy body is a buildup of abnormal protein particles in the brain tissue (decay of brain tissues).
They are generally found in different parts of the brain tissue of people with:
• dementia with Lewy bodies
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease

(Prodromes)
• Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder: parasomnia, atonia (paralysis of muscles), that is normal during REM sleep.
• Sexual dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction, difficulties achieving orgasm or ejaculating.

(Symptoms)
• Features of parkinsonism, impaired cognition, sleep disorders, and visual hallucinations.
• Features of tauopathies (neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the deposition of abnormal tau protein in the brain).
• Cardiovascular dysfunction, although most are asymptomatic.
• From chewing to defecation, affect every level of gastrointestinal function. Upper gastrointestinal tract dysfunction (e.g. delayed gastric emptying) or lower gastrointestinal dysfunction (e.g. constipation, prolonged stool transit time).
• Urinary retention, waking at night to urinate, increased urinary frequency and urgency, and over- or underactive bladder.

(Treatment)
• Unavailable.