Synucleinopathy

Synucleinopathies are a subgroup of neurodegenerative diseases, characterised by impairment of alpha-synuclein metabolism, resulting in abnormal intracellular deposits and. They can further be divided into those with and those without the formation of Lewy bodies, although it should be noted that some overlap does exist ^1,2,4:

• synucleinopathies with Lewy bodies
  • Parkinson disease
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies (aka Lewy body disease)
• synucleinopathies without Lewy bodies
  • multiple systemic atrophy (MSA)
  • pure autonomic failure
  • rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder

Pathology

α-synuclein is a neuronal protein of unclear function which accounts for approximately 1% of brain weight ¹.

In addition to cerebral accumulation, α-synuclein also accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract resulting in symptoms ³. 

Editor: more detail is required here pertaining to the genetic and biochemical underpinnings of these diseases, as well as any commonalities in presentation/demographics/ radiographic appearances.