An Ensemble Approach to Modelling the Combined Effect of Risk Factors on Age at Parkinson’s Disease Onset

Abstract

Ensemble approaches to statistical modelling combine multiple statistical methods to form a comprehensive analysis. They are of increasing interest for problems that involve diverse data sources, complex systems and subtle outcomes of interest. An example of such an ensemble approach is described in this chapter, in the context of a substantive case study that aimed to tease out factors affecting the age at onset of the neurodegenerative medical condition, Parkinsons Disease (PD), with a particular focus on the role of a particular potential risk factor, pesticide exposure.