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NEUROLOGY 2008;70:1042-1048
© 2008 American Academy of Neurology

Patterns and stages of {alpha}-synucleinopathy

Relevance in a population-based cohort

J. Zaccai, PhD, C. Brayne, PhD, I. McKeith, MD, F. Matthews, PhD, P. G. Ince, MD On behalf of the MRC Cognitive Function, Ageing Neuropathology Study

From Institute of Public Health (J.Z., C.B.), University of Cambridge; Institute for Ageing and Health (I.M.), University of Newcastle upon Tyne; MRC Biostatistics Unit (F.M.); and Section of Neurosciences (P.G.I.), University of Sheffield, UK.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Professor Paul G. Ince, Neuropathology, E Floor, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield UK, S10 2JF p.g.ince{at}shef.ac.uk

Background: It is proposed that {alpha}-synucleinopathy (AS) initially affects the medulla oblongata and progresses to more rostral brain areas in a hierarchical sequence ("Braak hypothesis"). Predominant involvement of the amygdala is also described. This study examines the applicability of these patterns, and their relationship to Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology, in brains of a population-based donor cohort.

Methods: Brains donated in two of six Cognitive Function and Ageing Study cohorts (Cambridgeshire and Nottingham) were examined. More than 80% were older than 80 years at death. The respondents were evaluated prospectively in life for cognitive decline and dementia. Immunocytochemistry for tau and {alpha}-synuclein was carried out in 208 brains to establish Braak stage and the pattern and severity of AS.

Results: Seventy-six brains showed Lewy bodies. Half (51%) conformed to the Braak hypothesis while 17% had pathology in a higher region which was absent in a lower region. A further 29% showed amygdala-predominant pathology. Six brains showed predominant neocortical pathology with minimal pathology in amygdala or substantia nigra. The stage of AD pathology was not associated with particular patterns of AS.

Conclusion: {alpha}-Synucleinopathy (AS) is common in older people, and frequently associated with Alzheimer disease–type pathology. Although half of brains corresponded to the Braak hypothesis, and 29% to amygdala-predominant AS, there were a high proportion of cases which did not fit a staging system. An unexpectedly high proportion with a cortical form of Lewy body disease was identified.

Abbreviations: AD = Alzheimer disease; AGECAT = Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer-Assisted Taxonomy; AS = {alpha}-synucleinopathy; CFAS = Cognitive Function and Ageing Study; DLB = dementia with Lewy bodies; LB = Lewy bodies; LN = Lewy neurites; MMSE = Mini-Mental State Examination; PD = Parkinson disease; SN = substantia nigra.

Supplemental data at www.neurology.org

Disclosure: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Received August 21, 2007. Accepted in final form December 11, 2007.






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