Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology (Jan 2020)

Prevalence of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease and its impact on quality of life in tertiary care center in India

  • Madhavi Karri,
  • Balakrishnan Ramasamy,
  • Ramadoss Kalidoss

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/aian.AIAN_10_19
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 3
pp. 270 – 274

Abstract

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Context: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by traditional motor features. Non-motor symptoms (NMS) are also seen in PD, which inevitably emerge through the disease progression and are often under-recognized and untargeted. Aims: We studied the prevalence of NMS in PD and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study from January 2017 to July 2017 of PD patients (n = 100) was done. NMS and HRQoL are measured using NMS scoring scale; PD questionnaire-39 and Hoehn and Yahr scale, respectively. Motor symptoms were assessed using scales for outcome in Parkinson's disease (SCoPA) - motor scoring scale. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics calculated for NMS' prevalence. Continuous variables were assessed by two-tailed t-test and discrete and categorical variables by chi-square test. Multiple linear regression analysis was done among scoring scales to identify the influence on 39-item Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39) scoring scale. All statistical data collected are analyzed with SSPS software version- 20 for windows. Results: In 100 study population, 66 were males and 34 females. The mean age was 68.35 years and median onset of duration of PD was 3.49 with 64.6% on treatment. Fatigue, pain, and lightheadedness were more prevalent NMS with 78%, 75%, and 69%, respectively. With regression analysis, strongest predictor was NMSS score (P = 0.000), with each unit increase, it is associated with nearly 0.65 increase in PDQ-39 score. Conclusion: Though motor symptoms define the disease, NMS have a larger impact on HRQoL in PD and on caregiver's life. Understanding the pattern and effect of NMS is needed for targeted treatment strategies.

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