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Motor Neuron Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Need for More Population-Based Studies
Joint Authors
Quansah, Emmanuel
Karikari, Thomas K.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2015, Issue 2015 (31 Dec. 2015), pp.1-9, 9 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2015-08-12
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
9
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are devastating neurological diseases that are characterised by gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons.
Major types of MNDs include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
These diseases are incurable, with limited disease-modifying treatment options.
In order to improve MND-based biomedical research, drug development, and clinical care, population-based studies will be important.
These studies, especially among less-studied populations, might identify novel factors controlling disease susceptibility and resistance.
To evaluate progress in MND research in Africa, we examined the published literature on MNDs in Sub-Saharan Africa to identify disease prevalence, genetic factors, and other risk factors.
Our findings indicate that the amount of research evidence on MNDs in Sub-Saharan Africa is scanty; molecular and genetics-based studies are particularly lacking.
While only a few genetic studies were identified, these studies strongly suggest that there appear to be population-specific causes of MNDs among Africans.
MND genetic underpinnings vary among different African populations and also between African and non-African populations.
Further studies, especially molecular, genetic and genomic studies, will be required to advance our understanding of MND biology among African populations.
Insights from these studies would help to improve the timeliness and accuracy of clinical diagnosis and treatment.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Quansah, Emmanuel& Karikari, Thomas K.. 2015. Motor Neuron Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Need for More Population-Based Studies. BioMed Research International،Vol. 2015, no. 2015, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1054954
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Quansah, Emmanuel& Karikari, Thomas K.. Motor Neuron Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Need for More Population-Based Studies. BioMed Research International No. 2015 (2015), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1054954
American Medical Association (AMA)
Quansah, Emmanuel& Karikari, Thomas K.. Motor Neuron Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Need for More Population-Based Studies. BioMed Research International. 2015. Vol. 2015, no. 2015, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1054954
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1054954