- Project Leader : Okumiya Kiyohito (Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Research Department)
- Collaborators : Kuzuhara SHigeki (Suzuka University of Medical Science, Faculty of Health Science)
- : Kokubo Yasumasa (Mie University , Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies)
- : Eva Garcia del Saz (Kochi University, Research and Education Faculty)
- : Matsubayashi Kozo (Kyoto University, Center for Southeast Asian Studies)
- : Fujisawa Michiko (Kyoto University, Center for Southeast Asian Studies)
Outline of Research
Few follow-up studies have been made on the high incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and parkinsonism in Papua, Indonesia since the survey was reported in 1991. To clarify the clinical epidemiology of ALS and parkinsonism in Papua, we have examined the recent prevalence and characteristics of these diseases in the area. Compared with the previous report, the recent prevalence of pure ALS in the south costal area in Papua might be lower, but many cases of overlap of ALS and Parkinsonism were still recognized recently. Although indigenous people previously had a traditional lifestyle such as hunting, gathering, fishing and eating Sago palm, a recent increase in rubber planters has resulted in a lifestyle change with the spread of the market economy in Papua. Continuous follow-up surveys will be carried out focusing on clinical epidemiology and etiology of the neuro-degenerative diseases in association with ecological and environmental changes in Papua.
Description
Along with Guam and Kii in Japan, Papua (Indonesia) is one of the foci with the highest incidence of ALS and parkinsonism in the world. Disappearance of the high incidence of ALS and parkinsonism in Guam and Kii has been reported, as was a decline of ALS in Papua. However, there have been few follow-up surveys in Papua since 1991. We carried out a survey for neurodegenerative diseases from 2001 to 2012 and clarified the high prevalence of ALS and parkinsonism in Papua.
The purpose of this research is to clarify the association of clinical epidemiology with ecological and environmental changes in Papua.
It is significant that there are still many cases showing pure ALS and an overlap of ALS, parkinsonism and cognitive impairment in Papua, different from the recent situation in Guam and Kii. The changing patterns of decrease of ALS and increase of parkinsonism in Papua might be caused by a change of environmental and socioeconomic factors as well as aging in Guam and Kii.
It is expected that etiology or risk factors of the neuro-degenerative diseases will be disclosed in association with environmental factors.
 An Open-Air Medical Examination on sites for Neurodegenerative Diseases in New Guinea |
 Sunset on Riverside in New Guinea |