Parkinson disease in Sudan: a clinical/genetic study
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity, and postural instability. Beyond these motor symptoms, individuals with Parkinson’s disease often experience a range of non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment and psychiatric disturbances. Understanding the causes of Parkinson’s disease is of paramount importance, as it affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their quality of life and placing a considerable burden on healthcare systems and families.
One critical aspect of Parkinson’s disease research involves the study of its genetic risk factors. This knowledge is essential for early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and the development of potential therapeutic interventions. Unfortunately, there’s a significant scarcity of such studies in Sudan and Africa as a whole, despite the continent’s high genetic diversity. This knowledge gap not only limits our understanding of Parkinson’s disease but also restricts the development of tailored treatments that consider the unique genetic backgrounds of African populations.
In close collaboration with international research institutions, local medical professionals, and advocacy groups, SNPs has embarked on a critical mission to investigate the genetic mutations associated with Parkinson’s disease among patients in Sudan. Our approach to this study is multidimensional, encompassing several key components aimed at unraveling the genetic underpinnings of this complex neurodegenerative disorder.
Our initial step involved recruiting a substantial cohort of Parkinson’s disease patients, encompassing both sporadic and familial cases, from various neurology care centers across different states in Sudan. This diverse cohort was subjected to comprehensive clinical assessments, focusing on the onset and progression of symptoms, response to treatment, and the occurrence of atypical disease manifestations. These extensive clinical evaluations provide a rich source of data to contextualize our genetic findings.
Following the clinical assessments, we proceeded with the purification of DNA from saliva samples obtained from the patients and their family members. These genetic samples underwent rigorous analysis to identify and study genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications that may be linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Using Next-Generation Sequencing, we successfully identified both known and novel genetic mutations in six Sudanese families affected by familial forms of Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, our research has unveiled a distinctive pattern of hypomethylation within the SNCA gene among our cohort of Parkinson’s disease patients.
This research represents the beginning of a significant stride toward bridging the gap in Parkinson’s disease studies in Sudan, ultimately contributing to better healthcare solutions for those affected by the disease.
Assessment of mental health status of the Sudanese population using the MHQ
Our Mental Health Project is a comprehensive, large-scale study designed to evaluate the mental health status of individuals from diverse backgrounds and environments. This initiative is conducted in collaboration with Sapien Labs and aims to create a global mental health map.
The Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) is an anonymous web-based assessment tool that offers a thorough evaluation of mental health and well-being. It covers a wide range of symptoms across ten major psychiatric disorders, as well as positive aspects of mental functioning. MHQ provides a snapshot of an individual’s self-perception across various dimensions that influence mental well-being. The resulting report comprises six dimensions:
- Mood and Outlook.
- Social Self.
- Drive and Motivation.
- Cognition
- Adaptability and Resilience.
- Mind-Body Connection.
Upon completing the assessment, participants receive their MHQ score along a spectrum of mental wellbeing.
To ensure accessibility, we have translated the MHQ, its report, and default messages into Arabic. The translation process involved a professional committee, including a psychiatrist in Sudan, and further validation by translators from Sapien Labs. After validation, a pilot study was conducted, paving the way for a large-scale data collection effort.
The results of this project are expected to provide insights into the mental health status of the Sudanese population, promote awareness of mental health issues, and encourage individuals to seek medical advice when needed.
Effect of music on emotion and electroencephalogram recorded brain activity
Long before humans inhabited the Earth, natural sounds filled the environment. But was this “music,” or simply raw sounds? The appreciation of these sounds requires a discerning mind. This leads us to the understanding that music carries meaning, and that meaning relies on a receptive mind. Therefore, we can define music as a universal form of auditory communication, connecting the producer and the receiver while evoking emotions. It’s a relative and subjective phenomenon, where what one person considers music may be noise to another.
Exploring the physiological impact of music is a thriving area of research, employing various methods, including biochemical and electrophysiological approaches. One such method is Electroencephalography (EEG), a non-invasive technique for monitoring the brain’s electrical activity. EEG records voltage fluctuations resulting from ionic currents within the neurons. In clinical applications, EEG captures the brain’s spontaneous electrical activity over time, using electrodes placed on the scalp.
In our project, we seek to examine the influence of music on emotions and brain activity, using EEG. We regularly enlist healthy adult Sudanese participants, collecting clinical data from the entire study population. We employ the EPOC devices for standardized pre-piloted EEG sessions, featuring alternating segments of music playback. Recordings are obtained from various brain regions, including the Frontal Gyrus, Cerebellum, and Right and Left Auditory Cortices. These EEG recordings are complemented by continuous, objective assessments of the subjects’ emotional states.
Through this project, we aim to deepen our understanding of the profound connection between music, emotions, and brain activity. This enhanced understanding has the potential to provide valuable insights into the ways in which music influences human emotional experiences, enriching our comprehension of the intricate relationship between music and the human mind.