Introduction: Atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS) are rare neurodegenerative syndromes for which parkinsonism is one significant feature. APS includes progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS). The diagnosis of APS remains reliant on clinical features with no available diagnostic or prognostic biomarker. Clinical scales remain the gold standard assessment measures in clinical trials and research. The lack of standardised approach for research cohorts has contributed to shortcomings in disease understanding and limits collaboration between researchers. The primary objectives of this study are to (1) establish an assessment protocol for parkinsonian syndromes and (2) to implement it at a single site to establish the viability and utility of populating a clinical and biological databank of patients with APS.
Methods: The Monash Alfred Protocol for Assessment of APS was devised by expert consensus within a broad multidisciplinary team. Eligible patients are diagnosed as possible or probable PSP, MSA or CBS by a consultant neurologist with expertise in movement disorders. Participants will be assessed at recruitment and then annually for up to 3 years; individuals within 5 years of index symptom onset will also undergo a once-off 6-month assessment.
Ethics and dissemination: Each participant or their legally authorised representative will provide informed written consent prior to commencement of the study. Data will be stored on a locally hosted Research Electronic Data Capture database.
Trial registration number: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTN 12622000923763).
Keywords: CORTICOBASAL DEGENERATION; MRI; MULTISYSTEM ATROPHY; SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY.
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