Towards a Global View of Parkinson's Disease Genetics

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a global health challenge, yet historically studies of PD have taken place predominantly in European populations. Recent genetics research conducted in non‐European populations has revealed novel population‐specific genetic loci linked to PD risk, highlighting the importance of studying PD globally. These insights have broadened our understanding of PD etiology, which is crucial for developing disease‐modifying interventions. This review comprehensively explores the global genetic landscape of PD, emphasizing the scientific rationale for studying underrepresented populations. It underscores challenges, such as genotype–phenotype heterogeneity and inclusion difficulties for non‐European participants, emphasizing the ongoing need for diverse and inclusive research in PD. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:831–842