Risk Factors of Fatigue in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease in a Polish Population

Abstract

Introduction. Fatigue syndrome is one of the nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of the study was assessment of prevalence of fatigue syndrome in PD and answering the question what are the independent risk factors connected with intensity of fatigue in PD. Methods. 114 patients with idiopathic PD (mean age 62.2 + 10.8 years) were enrolled. The fatigue was assessed according to the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). We analyzed associations between fatigue and sex, age, education, duration and severity of the disease, everyday activity, intensity of the main symptoms, treatment, presence of dyskinesias and fluctuations, depression and excessive sleep during the day, and presence of pain and nycturia. Results. The fatigue syndrome was detected in 57.9% of patients. The score in the FSS was 1 to 7 points, 4.3 average. Greater fatigue intensity correlated with higher total daily levodopa equivalent dose. Patients with moderate depression had significantly greater fatigue. Conclusions. Fatigue syndrome affects 57.9% of patients with PD. Use of higher LED and presence of moderate depression are independent risk factors of greater intensity of fatigue.