Genetic Testing in Cerebral Palsy: Opportunities for Precision Medicine Interventions
Description
In this presentation, Dr. Kruer will discuss genetic etiologies of cerebral palsy and their treatment implications.
Cerebral Palsy Across the Lifespan: Neurologic Surveillance, Cognition, and Precision Medicine*
Date: October 19, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Room: Coral 1
Track: Interactive Lunch Workshop (ILW)
Session Description
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common lifelong motor disability affecting between 2-4/1000 people worldwide, a prevalence comparable to Parkinson’s disease. Most people with CP alive in the US today are adults, with 40% of people with CP in the US being over the age of 30. Recent evidence shows that 12-30% of people with CP have a contributing genetic etiology, opening up avenues for precision medicine management approaches. Furthermore, people with CP are prone to new and evolving neurologic conditions as they age, including dementia, myelopathy, stroke, and new-onset epilepsy. We will discuss the epidemiology and diagnostic evaluation of CP (including the value of genetic testing), the role of precision medicine in CP across the lifespan, and how to screen for and manage neurologic conditions in people with CP as they age. Finally, we will pose areas ripe for research in adults with CP, including early life risk factors for dementia and preventative strategies.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the new-onset and evolving neurologic conditions that occur in adults with CP.
- Complete a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of CP across the lifespan, including genetic testing.
- Screen for and describe research on preventative strategies for cognitive decline and dementia in adults with CP.
Speakers
- (Chair, Speaker) Bhooma Aravamuthan, MD, DPhil
- (Co-Chair) Mark S. Wainwright, MD, PhD, FANA
- (Speaker) Michael Kruer, MD
- (Speaker) Nathalie Maitre, MD, PhD
Neurologic Surveillance in Adults with CP
Description
In this presentation, Dr. Aravamuthan will discuss how adults with CP have higher rates of stroke, new-onset seizures, and dementia than those without CP. We will discuss evidence for screening and management.
Cognition in Adults with CP: What Do We Know and What Should We Be Tracking?
Description
In this presentation, Dr. Maitre will discuss the prevalence and functional impact of the primary disorder and secondary complications on cognition in adults with CP, with a focus on surveillance and intervention.