A comprehensive model of health-related quality of life in Parkinson's disease

Health-related quality of life in Parkinson's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of EuroQol (EQ-5D) utility scores

INTRODUCTION

Evaluating the Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) holds significant importance in clinical and research settings. The EQ-5D is a widely recognized tool for comprehensive measurement of HRQoL using utility values. This study aims to systematically review and synthesize EQ-5D utility values from existing literature on patients with PD and their caregivers.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search for studies that provided EQ-5D utility scores for patients with PD, using PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and Embase and selected the studies. The selected studies underwent systematic review, including an assessment of their quality. We performed a meta-analysis using a random-effect model and conducted a meta-regression analysis to investigate sources of heterogeneity among the studies.

RESULTS

The search result of 13,417 articles that were reviewed, 130 studies with 33,914 participants were selected for systematic review, and 79 studies were included for meta-analysis. The pooled EQ-5D utility values and visual analog score (VAS) among PD were 62.72% (60.53-64.93, I2 = 99.56%) and 0.60 (0.55-0.65, I2 = 99.81%), respectively. The pooled scores for caregivers' EQ-VAS and EQ-5D utility were 70.10% (63.99-76.20, I2 = 98.25%) and 0.71 (0.61-0.81, I2 = 94.88%), respectively. Disease duration (P < 0.05) showed a negative correlation with EQ-5D utility values on meta-regression.

CONCLUSION

The pooled utility values of PD and their caregivers help to understand their HRQoL and aid in conducting health economics research. The negative association between disease duration and utility values highlights the evolving nature of HRQoL challenges, suggesting the need for appropriate long-term disease management.

Central retina thickness measured with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in Parkinson disease: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can detect visual alterations associated with Parkinson disease, such as damage to the retinal nerve fiber layer or changes in retinal vasculature. Macula thinning in association with Parkinson disease (PD) remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the central retina thickness in PD measured using spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT).

METHODS

We searched PubMed and the Excerpta Medica database to identify studies that compared macular thickness between patients with PD and healthy controls published before July 31, 2021. A random-effects model was used to examine PD-associated changes in macular thickness. Meta-regression analysis was performed by assessing heterogeneity, publication bias, and study quality.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies with a cross-sectional design were selected, including 2118 patients with PD and 2338 controls. We identified significant differences in the thickness of the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.66 to -0.16; I2 = 80%), ganglion cell complex (SMD, -0.33; 95% CI, -0.50 to -0.17; I2 = 0%), and of all inner and outer sectors of the macula (SMD range, -0.21 to -0.56; all P < .05) between patients with PD and controls.

DISCUSSION

These results corroborate the increased prevalence of changes in OCT measures in individuals with PD, highlighting the efficacy of SD-OCT-determined macular thickness as a biomarker for PD. Our findings may provide helpful guidelines for clinicians in rapidly evolving areas of PD diagnosis.

The predictive relationships between advanced dynamic balance and physical activity/quality of life in Parkinson's disease

Gait and balance problems commonly occur in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, balance tasks with only one performance objective (e.g., sit-to-stand) may not be sufficient, compared to dual motor tasks (e.g., carrying a tray while walking), to be applied to the assessments and interventions which are designed to promote PD patients' balance functioning, physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HQoL). The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine whether advanced dynamic balance, measured by a demanding motor-motor dual task, is a significant predictor of PA/HQoL in older adults with and without PD. Participants with (n = 22) and without (n = 23) PD were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the single leg hop and stick series task (SLHS), the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ39). We calculated the R² change, namely the incremental validity, between the multiple regression models before and after adding the scores on the BBS/SLHS. While controlling for biological and socioeconomic covariates, competence in the SLHS task provided moderate and large levels of incremental validity to PA (ΔR² = 0.08, Cohen's f² = 0.25, p = .035) and HQoL (ΔR² = 0.13, Cohen's f² = 0.65, p < .001), respectively. In particular for participants with PD, the SLHS explained significantly more variance in HQoL in relation to psychosocial functioning (ΔR² = 0.25, Cohen's f² = 0.42, p = .028) compared to the BBS (p = .296). Assessing advanced dynamic balance by means of a highly demanding dual-task paradigm was not only strongly associated with PA but also covered a wider spectrum of HQoL components. This approach is recommended for use in evaluations and interventions carried out in clinical and research settings in order to promote healthy living.

Severity of depressive and motor symptoms impacts quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients at an academic movement clinic: A cross-sectional study

Introduction

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with motor and non-motor manifestations that have been previously reported to affect patient quality of life (QoL). Our objective is to investigate the factors that contribute to QoL in a cohort of PD patients receiving care at a major academic institution.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study of 124 participants (71.77% male, mean age 65.20, mean UPDRS-III score 11.25), we analyzed if certain clinical features such as UPDRS-III, QIDS-C, and total disease duration contributed to QoL as measured by two different metrics (PDQ-39 and EQ-5D) in PD patients at a university Movement Disorders Clinic.

Results

Motor symptoms of PD, with the exception of tremor, as well as depression and specific depressive symptoms were significantly and positively correlated with lower QoL metrics for patients with Parkinson's, with total depressive symptom severity (QIDS-C₁₆ Total score) contributing most to QoL scores. Of the specific depressive and motor symptoms, anhedonia and rigidity contributed the most to QoL. Disease duration was significantly correlated with lower QoL for participants with Parkinson's according to the QoL metric PDQ-39 but not ED-5D. Parkinson's patients with access to high-quality healthcare are at risk for having diminished QoL due to both depressive and motor symptoms.

Conclusion

While severity of motor symptoms certainly impacted QoL in our cohort, our findings suggest that depressive symptoms contribute more to impaired QoL than severe motor symptoms do. This phenomenon suggests that concomitant depression in PD as well as one's psychological adjustment to disability may have a greater impact on QoL than severe motor symptoms.

Toward Improved Treatment and Empowerment of Individuals With Parkinson Disease: Design and Evaluation of an Internet of Things System

Background

Parkinson disease (PD) is a chronic degenerative disorder that causes progressive neurological deterioration with profound effects on the affected individual’s quality of life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve patient empowerment and clinical decision support in PD care. Home-based disease monitoring is an emerging information technology with the potential to transform the care of patients with chronic illnesses. Its acceptance and role in PD care need to be elucidated both among patients and caregivers.

Objective

Our main objective was to develop a novel home-based monitoring system (named EMPARK) with patient and clinician interface to improve patient empowerment and clinical care in PD.

Methods

We used elements of design science research and user-centered design for requirement elicitation and subsequent information and communications technology (ICT) development. Functionalities of the interfaces were the subject of user-centric multistep evaluation complemented by semantic analysis of the recorded end-user reactions. The ICT structure of EMPARK was evaluated using the ICT for patient empowerment model.

Results

Software and hardware system architecture for the collection and calculation of relevant parameters of disease management via home monitoring were established. Here, we describe the patient interface and the functional characteristics and evaluation of a novel clinician interface. In accordance with our previous findings with regard to the patient interface, our current results indicate an overall high utility and user acceptance of the clinician interface. Special characteristics of EMPARK in key areas of interest emerged from end-user evaluations, with clear potential for future system development and deployment in daily clinical practice. Evaluation through the principles of ICT for patient empowerment model, along with prior findings from patient interface evaluation, suggests that EMPARK has the potential to empower patients with PD.

Conclusions

The EMPARK system is a novel home monitoring system for providing patients with PD and the care team with feedback on longitudinal disease activities. User-centric development and evaluation of the system indicated high user acceptance and usability. The EMPARK infrastructure would empower patients and could be used for future applications in daily care and research.

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction Impact on Life Quality in a Cohort of Russian Patients with Parkinson’s Disease I-III H&Y Stage

Background

There are still no clearly proven methods to slow down or stop the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, improving the quality of life (QoL) of patients with PD becomes of primary importance. Autonomic dysfunction and its symptoms are known to worsen the quality of life in PD, but the degree of this influence is underinvestigated. Particularly, impacts of the separate significant gastrointestinal symptoms, such as dyspepsia, constipation, and abdominal pain, in PD should be more precisely evaluated with the help of specific scales.

Objective

To assess the impacts of gastrointestinal dysfunction and its symptoms on PD patient's QoL using PDQ-39.

Methods

111 PD patients in the I-III Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage were enrolled in the study. The following scales were applied: UPDRS III, PDQ-39, GSRS, GDSS, MMSE, BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T.

Results

The linear regression model showed that the PDQ-39 SI depended on summary assessments GSRS-SI (β = 0.333, p < 0.001), BDI (β = 0.463, p < 0.001), and UPDRS III (β = 0.163, p < 0.05). The use of the stepwise method, adding GSRS-SI and UPDRS III scores to the BDI predictor, improved the model (R2 increased from 0.454 to 0.574). The investigation of GSRS domain's influence revealed that PDQ-39 SI had a significant correlation with almost all of them, but the regression analysis showed significant QoL impacts of only two factors: constipation and abdominal pain (β = 0.288, p < 0.01 and β = 0.243, p < 0.05 accordingly).

Conclusions

Our results suggest a considerable negative influence of depression and gastrointestinal dysfunction (especially constipation and abdominal pain) on QoL of patients with PD. Their impact on QoL in patients with I-III H&Y stages of PD is more significant than that of motor symptoms. Therefore, the correction of depression and gastrointestinal dysfunction should be prioritized in PD therapy.

Effects of rasagiline on Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) emotional well-being domain in patients with Parkinson’s disease: A post-hoc analysis of clinical trials in Japan

Background

Identifying the factors that influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is of great scientific interest, but a potential causal relationship between treatment and HRQoL has yet to be fully elucidated. Japanese patients reported better HRQoL outcomes on the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) emotional well-being domain, a 6-question subset of the PDQ-39 which is considered to reflect the emotional aspects of the disease-specific HRQoL, when treated with rasagiline, than placebo, in both a monotherapy clinical trial (NCT02337725) and an adjunctive therapy clinical trial in patients with wearing-off phenomena (NCT02337738).

Objective

To investigate how rasagiline exerts its effect on the PDQ-39 emotional well-being domain in Japanese patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Methods

A path analysis was performed to assess the direct treatment effects of rasagiline on the PDQ-39 emotional well-being domain and the effects mediated indirectly through the influence on items related to motor symptoms by a post-hoc analysis of two clinical trials in Japan.

Results

In the monotherapy trial, the PDQ-39 emotional well-being domain was mainly affected indirectly through items related to motor symptoms (80.7%) composed of the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part II (67.2%) and Part III (13.5%). In the adjunctive therapy trial, the PDQ-39 emotional well-being domain was also mainly influenced indirectly through effects on items related to motor symptoms (1 mg/day: 54.7%, 0.5 mg/day: 57.6%) composed of MDS-UPDRS Part II (1 mg/day: 35.6%, 0.5 mg/day: 40.9%), Part III (1 mg/day: 8.0%, 0.5 mg/day: 8.3%) and mean daily OFF-time (1 mg/day: 11.1%, 0.5 mg/day: 8.4%).

Conclusions

The effects of rasagiline on the PDQ-39 emotional well-being domain were mediated primarily by influence on the subjective aspects of motor experiences of daily living.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson's Disease

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is one of the most common sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD). It has attracted much attention due to high morbidity, poor quality of life, increased risk for accidents, obscure mechanisms, comorbidity with PD and limited therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the current literature on epidemiology of EDS in PD to address the discrepancy between subjective and objective measures and clarify the reason for the inconsistent prevalence in previous studies. Besides, we focus on the effects of commonly used antiparkinsonian drugs on EDS and related pharmacological mechanisms to provide evidence for rational clinical medication in sleepy PD patients. More importantly, degeneration of wake-promoting nuclei owing to primary neurodegenerative process of PD is the underlying pathogenesis of EDS. Accordingly, altered wake-promoting nerve nuclei and neurotransmitter systems in PD patients are highlighted to providing clues for identifying EDS-causing targets in the sleep and wake cycles. Future mechanistic studies toward this direction will hopefully advance the development of novel and specific interventions for EDS in PD patients.

Narcolepsy genetic marker HLA DQB1*06:02 and excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson disease patients treated with dopaminergic agents

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether narcolepsy Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) risk allele DQB1*0602 is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and inappropriate sleep in patients with Parkinson disease (PD).

BACKGROUND

EDS is a common and disabling non-motor manifestation of PD, affecting quality of life and driving performance. DQB1*0602 is an HLA risk allele for narcolepsy. It is present in 12-30% of the general population. We hypothesize that DQB1*0602 is associated with an increased risk of EDS and inappropriate sleep in PD patients.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional observational study of 150 PD individuals on dopaminergic agents. Main outcome measures were DQB1*0602 status and the modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Individuals with dementia, loss of independence, narcolepsy and untreated sleep apnea were excluded. Confounding variables for EDS were assessed using Parkinson Disease Sleep Scale, Mayo Sleep Questionnaire, Unified PD Rating Scale, Hoehn and Yahr scale.

RESULTS

DQB1*06:02 positive PD patients were approximately three times more likely to experience EDS and fall asleep inappropriately during activities that required sustained alertness (e.g. driving, eating, attending work etc.). Exploratory post hoc analysis showed a dopaminergic drug dose- and type- dependent effect on daytime sleepiness in DQB1*06:02 positive individuals. No significant differences were found in confounding variables.

CONCLUSION

PD individuals are more likely to experience EDS and fall asleep inappropriately during activities if DQB1*0602 positive. Genetic vulnerability may explain EDS risk in PD.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the effects of yoga in people with Parkinson's disease

PURPOSE

Yoga may be a beneficial treatment for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, no studies have critically reviewed and meta-analyzed the scientific evidence for yoga's benefits regarding motor and non-motor symptoms. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of yoga as a rehabilitation strategy for PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a literature search was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus. Studies addressing any concepts on the impact of yoga intervention on physical and psychological outcomes in people with PD were included.

RESULTS

Fourteen RCTs were selected, with heterogeneous protocols and outcomes measures. Yoga interventions were safe and well-accepted for patients with mild to moderate PD. The descriptive analysis indicated that its practice might provide both physical and psychological benefits. Preliminary evidence showed that yoga has comparable or superior efficacy to exercise. A subsequent meta-analysis on five RCTs detected that yoga was more effective than passive control in ameliorating motor symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Yoga appears to be a promising rehabilitative therapy for individuals with PD. Recommendations are proposed for future studies.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONYoga is a safe and feasible therapy for people with mild to moderate PD.Yoga practice positively impacts physical and mental health in this population.When compared to exercise, yoga showed to have similar or even greater effects.

Orthostatic Hypotension: A Prodromal Marker of Parkinson's Disease?

BACKGROUND

Orthostatic hypotension is common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it remains unknown whether orthostatic hypotension is a marker of prodromal PD or more advanced disease. The objectives of this study were to assess whether orthostatic hypotension is a prodromal marker of PD in the general population.

METHODS

This study was embedded in the Rotterdam Study, a large prospective population-based cohort in the Netherlands. We measured orthostatic hypotension in 6910 participants. First, we determined the relation between prevalent PD and orthostatic hypotension using logistic regression. Second, we followed PD-free participants for the occurrence of PD until 2016 and studied the association between orthostatic hypotension and the risk of PD using Cox proportional hazards models. All models were adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean age ± standard deviation of the study population was 69.0 ± 8.8 years, and 59.1% were women. Orthostatic hypotension was present in 1245 participants (19.8%), and 62 participants (1.0%) had PD at the time of orthostatic hypotension measurement. Participants with PD were significantly more likely to have orthostatic hypotension (odds ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-3.24). During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 16.1 years (8.5-22.7 years), 122 participants were diagnosed with incident PD. Orthostatic hypotension at baseline was not associated with an increased risk of PD (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.58).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that orthostatic hypotension is common in patients with PD, but that orthostatic hypotension is not associated with an increased risk of PD and thus is not a prodromal marker of PD in the general population. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

A Comparative Study of the Diagnostic Potential of Plasma and Erythrocytic α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by intracellular α-synuclein (α-Syn) deposition. Alternation of the α-Syn expression level in plasma or erythrocytes may be used as a potential PD biomarker. However, no studies have compared their prognostic value directly with the same cohort.

METHODS

The levels of α-Syn in plasma and erythrocytes, obtained from 45 PD patients and 45 control subjects, were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Then, correlation and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were performed to characterize the predictive power of erythrocytic and plasma α-Syn.

RESULTS

Our results showed that α-Syn expression levels in both plasma and erythrocytes were significantly higher in PD patients than in control subjects (823.14 ± 257.79 vs. 297.10 ± 192.82 pg/mL, p < 0.0001 in plasma; 3,104.14 ± 143.03 vs. 2,944.82 ± 200.41 pg/mL, p < 0.001 in erythrocytes, respectively). The results of the ROC analysis suggested that plasma α-Syn exhibited better predictive power than erythrocytic α-Syn with a sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 97.7%, and a positive predictive value of 77.8%. The expression level of plasma α-Syn correlated well with the age of patients, H-Y stage, MoCA scale, and UPDRS motor scale. On the contrary, there was no correlation between erythrocytic α-Syn level and clinical parameters in this study.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that plasma α-Syn could be a specific and sensitive potential diagnostic biomarker for PD.

Inner retinal thinning as a biomarker for cognitive impairment in de novo Parkinson's disease

We investigated the association between retinal changes measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and diverse clinical grading scales in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Seventy-four eyes of 74 patients with de novo PD and 53 eyes of age-matched control subjects were included. The thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) were measured. We analyzed the correlations between the clinical PD grading scales and OCT parameters, and between the OCT parameters and volumetric data in the cerebral cortical and subcortical structures. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for diagnosing cognitive impairment in patients with PD. Statistically significant reductions in the thickness of average, temporal, and inferior pRNFL and overall mGCIPL were observed in patients with PD. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment score was significantly associated with mGCIPL thinning. The AUC of the mGCIPL parameters for diagnosing cognitive impairment in patients with PD ranged from 0.651 to 0.760. Moreover, thinning of the mGCIPL was significantly associated with the volumetric parameters of associated brain structures. Our findings highlight the clinical implications of OCT measurements as a potential biomarker for early detection of cognitive impairment in patients with PD.

Determinants of diagnostic latency in Chinese people with Parkinson's disease

Background

Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) has always lagged behind clinical symptoms. The diagnostic latency might be influenced by many factors. The diagnostic latency of Chinese people with PD has been unknown. Here we designed this cross-sectional study with the purpose to identify the diagnostic latency and its determinants in Chinese people with PD.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-one newly diagnosed people with PD were recruited into this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as a detailed clinical history were collected. Motor and non-motor symptoms (NMSs) severity were assessed with appropriate assessment scales. Medical professional types in the first medical consultations were also recorded. According to the initially presenting motor phenotypes, patients would be divided into the groups of rest tremor, limb rigidity, movement slowness and walking problems. The investigated variables would be compared among the four groups.

Results

The PD diagnostic latency in China was around 15 months. It closely correlated to the severity of motor symptoms, anxiety and depression as well as the number of NMSs. The diagnostic latency significantly varied among the groups of different motor phenotypes of onset. Finally, initially presenting with limb rigidity, having more NMSs, motor symptoms at a more serious degree and the initial medical consultations with physicians or specialists of non-neurology were considered as determinants of a longer diagnostic latency of PD.

Conclusions

Patients presenting with minor motor symptoms and disturbing NMSs as well as physicians’ unfamiliarity with PD symptomology were determinants of the diagnostic delay of PD. Health education in community and improvement of the referral system might be proper strategies to shorten the diagnostic latency of PD.

Analysis of characteristics affecting instrumental activities of daily living in Parkinson's disease patients without dementia

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are liable to experience impairment in their activities of daily living (ADL), which include ambulating, eating, dressing, bathing, and personal hygiene. The aim of this study is to assess which clinical characteristics contribute significantly to instrumental ADL (IADL) in PD patients without dementia. We included 106 PD patients in our study, and each patient's motor and non-motor status and basic and instrumental ADL were assessed using the appropriate scales. Of the 106 PD patients, 31 (29.2%) had abnormal Korean IADL (K-IADL) scores. These patients were older and had higher scores in terms of the modified Hoehn and Yahr (mHY) staging scale, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) parts II and III, UPDRS part IV motor fluctuation, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and total Non-Motor Symptoms assessment scale for PD (NMSS), as well as lower scores in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pearson's correlation analysis showed significant associations between the scores of K-IADL and each of the following characteristics of the patients: age, mHY stage, UPDRS parts II and III, UPDRS part IV motor fluctuation, BDI, total NMSS, and MMSE. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the significant clinical characteristics associated with the K-IADL scores were determined to be the UPDRS part II, MMSE, and BDI scores. The results of our study revealed that the cognitive, depression, and motor symptoms were the significant predictors of IADL in PD patients without dementia.

Current treatment of behavioral and cognitive symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Cognitive and behavioral symptoms are common in Parkinson's disease, may occur even in the prodromal stages of the disease, worsen with disease progression, and surpass motor symptoms as the major factors affecting patient quality of life and caregiver burden. The symptoms may be caused by the disease pathology or they may represent adverse effects of treatment, or both etiological factors may contribute. Although many of these symptoms are related to dopaminergic dysfunction or dopaminergic medication, other neurotransmitters are involved as well. Behavioral symptoms including impulse control disorders, apathy, psychosis, as well as mild cognitive impairment and dementia are reviewed with a special focus on current treatment approaches.

Increased Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Degeneration and Impaired Regeneration Relate to Symptoms and Deficits in Parkinson's Disease

Background: Previous studies have shown cutaneous small fiber pathology in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). These studies have focused on nerve degeneration, but recent reports suggest that nerve regeneration may also be important in PD pathology.

Objective: To establish the extent of intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) degeneration and regeneration and its relationship to clinical and neurological deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: Twenty-three PD patients and 10 age-matched controls underwent skin biopsy and assessment of somatic and autonomic symptoms and deficits. We have assessed Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Density (IENFD) using standard PGP9.5 staining and GAP-43 to assess Mean Axonal Length (MAL) and Intraepidermal Total Nerve Fiber Length (IETNFL).

Results: IENFD (p < 0.0001), MAL (p < 0.0001), IETNFL/Area (p = 0.009), and IETNFL/Length (p = 0.04) were significantly reduced in patients with PD compared to controls. IENFD correlated significantly with disease duration (p = 0.03), cumulative levodopa dose (p = 0.02), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Part III (UPDRS-III) (p = 0.01), Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (p = 0.03), NSP (p = 0.03), and 30:15 ratio (p = 0.03). IETNFL/Area correlated with the Autonomic Scale for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease (SCOPA-AUT) (p = 0.03) and Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom score (DNS) (p = 0.04) and IETNFL/Length correlated with DNS (p = 0.03). MAL correlated with SCOPA-AUT (p = 0.01), DNS (p = 0.02), and DB-HRV (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Increased IENF degeneration and impaired regeneration correlates with somatic and autonomic symptoms and deficits in patients with PD.

Predictors of mobility domain of health-related quality of life after rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study

Background

Parkinson’s disease impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL), however no studies inquired on predictors of HRQoL changes after rehabilitation. This study assessed the relationship between mobility domain of HRQoL measured by Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaires-39 (PDQ-39) and clinical-demographic characteristics and developed a model predicting changes after rehabilitation.

Methods

Subjects with Parkinson’s disease underwent rehabilitation treatment and completed the following predictors: 10-m walking test (10MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance scale (BBS), Activities-specific Balance Confidence scales (ABC), Freezing of Gait (FOGQ) and PDQ-39. Two general linear models were calculated to predict the relationship between HRQoL at baseline and to predict HRQoL changes after rehabilitation.

Results

Forty-two subjects (age 74.9 ± 7.3 years, Hoehn&Yahr 2.8 ± 0.6) completed the baseline evaluation. The first model (multiple R² = 0.59, F = 5.86, P < 0.001) showed that ABC (B = − 0.51, CI = − 0.86 to 0.15, R² = 0.41, P = 0.005) and FOGQ (B = 2.38, CI = 1.03 to 3.73, R² = 0.07, P = 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of mobility aspect of HRQoL at baseline. Thirty seven subjects completed the rehabilitation sessions, data were entered in the second model (multiple R² = 0.40, F = 4.24, P < 0.004) showing that gender (B = − 5.12, CI = − 9.86 to − 0.39, R² = 0.23, P = 0.034), Hoehn&Yahr (B = 10.93, CI = + 3.27 to + 18.61, R² = 0.22, P = 0.006) and PDQ-39 mobility at baseline (B = − 0.38, CI = − 0.63 to − 0.14, R² = 0.55, P = 0.002) were statistically significant predictors of changes of the mobility aspect of HRQoL.

Conclusions

Balance confidence and Freezing of Gait are associated with the mobility aspect of HRQoL. Changes in mobility domain of HRQoL (as assessed by PDQ-39) are likely to be greater in males, in people at higher stages of the disease and in people with more severe limitation in mobility domain of HRQoL (as assessed by PDQ-39) before rehabilitation. Results might be different when considering different outcomes or different measures for the same outcome (performance mobility test instead of self-report questionnaires). Further investigations are needed to better understand other components of HRQoL in addition to mobility.

Trial registration

NCT02713971 registered March 8, 2016.

Does nutritional status affect Parkinson's Disease features and quality of life?

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status and Parkinson's Disease (PD) features in association with depression, anxiety and quality of life in people with PD.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted on 96 patients with idiopathic PD to whom the following scales were applied: Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), 39-item PD questionnaire (PDQ-39), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The scales and measurements were applied to patients at their first assessment. Patients with malnutrition or at risk of malnutrition were assessed by the dietitian and nutrition nurse. These patients received nutritional support through personalized diet recommendations and appropriate enteral nutritional products, considering factors such as age, comorbidity, socioeconomic and cultural conditions. At the end of 6 weeks, the scales and measurements applied during the first visit were again applied to the patients.

Results

A significant and inverse correlation was determined between mental (Spearman r:-0.510, p<0.001), activities of daily living (Spearman r:-0.520, p<0.001), motor (Spearman r:-0.480, p<0.001), complications (Spearman r:-0.346, p<0.001) UPDRS subdivisions and total scores (Spearman r:-0.644, p<0.001) and total MNA score. A significant and inverse correlation was found between all PDQ-39 subdomains and total MNA score (p<0.05). The highest inverse correlations were found in mobility (Spearman r:-0.690, p<0.001) and stigma (Spearman r:-0.570, p<0.001). Both depression (Spearman r:-0.631, p<0.001) and anxiety (Spearman r:-0.333, p<0.001) scores were determined to be inversely correlated with total MNA score. At the 6-week control visit, significantly lower scores were found in all subdivisions and in the total UPDRS score, PDQ-39 score and in the patients' anxiety and depression scores (p<0.05). MNA scores were found to be significantly higher in the assessment performed after 6 weeks of support for patients who had abnormal nutritional status at inception (p<0.001).

Conclusion

PD motor and nonmotor functions, disease duration and severity are related to nutritional status. Quality of life was also shown to be affected by changes in the nutritional status. These results show that nutritional status assessment should be a standard approach in the PD treatment and follow-up processes.

Quality of Life of Caregivers of Individuals With Parkinson's Disease

PURPOSE

This study aimed to construct a structural equation model to predict the quality of life of caregivers of individuals with Parkinson's disease.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire in South Korea.

METHODS

A total of 208 subjects participated in this study from August 31 to November 26, 2015. The questionnaire included caregiving appraisal, social support, educational program needs, and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-Carer.

FINDINGS

Participants were either spouses (46.2%) or adult children (45.2%) of individuals with Parkinson's disease. The mean score obtained on the caregiver's quality of life was 40.94 ± 25.30. Social support, caregiving appraisal, and educational program needs were the predictors, explaining 67.0% of the variance in caregivers' quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Predicting the quality of life is useful for the development of support resources for caregivers of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Further studies exploring the multidimensional aspects of caregivers' quality of life are needed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Rehabilitation nurses should identify caregivers at high risk in order to improve their quality of life. Nurses should assess education program needs and caregiving appraisal of caregivers of individuals with Parkinson's disease and develop a customized intervention program.

Challenges of Improving Patient-Centred Care in Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition with a complex pattern of motor and non-motor symptoms. Of several clinical scales used to measure patient experience few are delivered by patients themselves.

OBJECTIVE

The present study reports the results of an online survey to establish (a) factors that most influence QoL (quality of life) for people with Parkinson's and (b) areas where self-monitoring may help.

METHODS

A 27 question online survey (using Survey Monkey) was developed by The Cure Parkinson's Trust, comprising four main sections (demographics, monitoring, symptoms and communication).

RESULTS

492 patients participated. 97% felt it 'very' or 'moderately' important to understand their own Parkinson's symptoms and recognise patterns in their condition (n = 420). Although, 87% (n = 467) were interested in recording information about their Parkinson's to monitor their well-being, only 49% of respondents were actually doing so. Slowness of movement (82% n = 432) and lack of energy (61% n = 432) were the most reported motor and non-motor symptoms, respectively. These symptoms were also commonly reported to impact QoL (n = 407). In monitoring these symptoms 75% (n = 409) thought it would help improve their understanding of their condition, 64% thought it would improve their wellbeing and ability to cope, 61% thought it would improve their treatment and 59% thought it would improve communication with their healthcare team.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the data suggest that a measurement tool supporting a patient-centred care model would be a combination of objective and accurate measurement of the most bothersome symptoms for patients towards the end goal of improving patients' QoL.

A systematic review of the literature on disorders of sleep and wakefulness in Parkinson's disease from 2005 to 2015

Sleep disorders are among the most common non-motor manifestations in Parkinson's disease (PD) and have a significant negative impact on quality of life. While sleep disorders in PD share most characteristics with those that occur in the general population, there are several considerations specific to this patient population regarding diagnosis, management, and implications. The available research on these disorders is expanding rapidly, but many questions remain unanswered. We thus conducted a systematic review of the literature published from 2005 to 2015 on the following disorders of sleep and wakefulness in PD: REM sleep behavior disorder, insomnia, nocturia, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements, sleep disordered breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, and circadian rhythm disorders. We discuss the epidemiology, etiology, clinical implications, associated features, evaluation measures, and management of these disorders. The influence on sleep of medications used in the treatment of motor and non-motor symptoms of PD is detailed. Additionally, we suggest areas in need of further research.

Essential gains and health after upper-limb tetraplegia surgery identified by the International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF)

STUDY DESIGN

A questionnaire-based survey.

OBJECTIVES

To describe functional gains and health following upper-limb tetraplegia surgery using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a reference and to explore interconnections across different dimensions of functioning and health.

SETTING

A specialized center for advanced reconstruction of extremities at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.

METHODS

Fifty-seven individuals who participated in a satisfaction survey were included in the present study. Besides questions concerned with the respondents' satisfaction with different aspects of surgery, the measures included perceived overall health status (EQ-VAS) and achieved grip strength. Univariate analyses were used to explore interconnections between measures.

RESULTS

The gains could be subcategorized and linked to the ICF domains 'mobility', 'self-care', 'communication', 'domestic life', and 'community, social and civic life', with 'handling objects' and 'maneuvering a wheelchair' as the most frequently reported gains. The mean EQ-VAS score was 67±22. No significant correlation was shown between grip strength and activity gains, nor between grip strength and perceived overall health. The degree of satisfaction was, however, associated with self-reported overall health among participants.

CONCLUSION

The functional gains achieved after tetraplegia surgery could be applied to the ICF constructs' body functions/structures and activity with possible implications on participation. The overall health perception was relatively high and could be linked to the degree of satisfaction among participants. Muscle strength is not necessarily transferable to activity performance. This emphasizes the importance of addressing factors other than strength in the post-surgical rehabilitation and assessments.

Depression Reduces Accuracy While Parkinsonism Slows Response Time for Processing Positive Feedback in Patients with Parkinson's Disease with Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder Tested on a Probabilistic Category-Learning Task

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common non-motor manifestation of Parkinson's disease (PD) affecting 50% of patients. However, little is known about the cognitive correlates of MDD in PD. Using a computer-based cognitive task that dissociates learning from positive and negative feedback, we tested four groups of subjects: (1) patients with PD with comorbid MDD, (2) patients with PD without comorbid MDD, (3) matched patients with MDD alone (without PD), and (4) matched healthy control subjects. Furthermore, we used a mathematical model of decision-making to fit both choice and response time data, allowing us to detect and characterize differences between the groups that are not revealed by cognitive results. The groups did not differ in learning accuracy from negative feedback, but the MDD groups (PD patients with MDD and patients with MDD alone) exhibited a selective impairment in learning accuracy from positive feedback when compared to the non-MDD groups (PD patients without MDD and healthy subjects). However, response time in positive feedback trials in the PD groups (both with and without MDD) was significantly slower than the non-PD groups (MDD and healthy groups). While faster response time usually correlates with poor learning accuracy, it was paradoxical in PD groups, with PD patients with MDD having impaired learning accuracy and PD patients without MDD having intact learning accuracy. Mathematical modeling showed that both MDD groups (PD with MDD and MDD alone) were significantly slower than non-MDD groups in the rate of accumulation of information for stimuli trained by positive feedback, which can lead to lower response accuracy. Conversely, modeling revealed that both PD groups (PD with MDD and PD alone) required more evidence than other groups to make responses, thus leading to slower response times. These results suggest that PD patients with MDD exhibit cognitive profiles with mixed traits characteristic of both MDD and PD, furthering our understanding of both PD and MDD and their often-complex comorbidity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine feedback-based learning in PD with MDD while controlling for the effects of PD and MDD.

Strategies to maintain quality of life among people with Parkinson's disease: what works?

Among chronic neurodegenerative disorders, Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most difficult and challenging to tackle as several motor and nonmotor features influence the patients' quality of life (QoL) and daily activities. Assessing patients QoL with valid instruments and gathering knowledge about the determinants that affect QoL in individuals with PD are the basis of an efficient caring strategy. In addition to the known motor symptoms, nonmotor disorders must also be comprehensively tracked and targeted for treatment to enhance QoL. A holistic strategy to maintain QoL in people with PD should consist of a multidisciplinary, personalized and patient-centered approach with timely administration of palliative care and efficient involvement of caregivers and family members.

Non-Motor symptoms in Portuguese Parkinson's Disease patients: correlation and impact on Quality of Life and Activities of Daily Living

The prevalence of non-motor symptoms (NMS) in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has varied between studies. Their interrelation isn’t totally understood. Also, the relative importance of each symptom, regarding its impact on activities of daily living (ADL) and health related quality of life (HRQL), remains debatable. We assessed all PD patients attending a Portuguese tertiary movement disorders center during one year (n = 134), with ADL, HRQL and other clinical scales approved for identifying the most relevant NMS in PD. All patients had at least one NMS. Sleep/fatigue, affect/cognition, attention/memory were the most frequent complaints, and their prevalence, above 80%, was higher than in most studies. There were significantly correlations between: sleepiness, psychosis and cognition; gastrointestinal, cardiovascular symptoms and pain; depression and apathy; anxiety and insomnia; olfaction, weight and hyperhidrosis. Depression/apathy exerted the strongest influence on HRQL and non-tremor motor dysfunction on ADL. Compared to studies in other countries, we found a higher prevalence of NMS, which could be specific of this population. The interrelation between NMS could be related to degeneration of different brain structures. NMS exert a stronger influence than MS in HRQL, which should be taken in account regarding treatment options.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease with Early Motor Complications: A UK Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating illness associated with considerable impairment of quality of life and substantial costs to health care systems. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established surgical treatment option for some patients with advanced PD. The EARLYSTIM trial has recently demonstrated its clinical benefit also in patients with early motor complications. We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of DBS, compared to best medical therapy (BMT), among PD patients with early onset of motor complications, from a United Kingdom (UK) payer perspective.

METHODS

We developed a Markov model to represent the progression of PD as rated using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) over time in patients with early PD. Evidence sources were a systematic review of clinical evidence; data from the EARLYSTIM study; and a UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) dataset including DBS patients. A mapping algorithm was developed to generate utility values based on UPDRS data for each intervention. The cost-effectiveness was expressed as the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken to explore the effect of parameter uncertainty.

RESULTS

Over a 15-year time horizon, DBS was predicted to lead to additional mean cost per patient of £26,799 compared with BMT (£73,077/patient versus £46,278/patient) and an additional mean 1.35 QALYs (6.69 QALYs versus 5.35 QALYs), resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £19,887 per QALY gained with a 99% probability of DBS being cost-effective at a threshold of £30,000/QALY. One-way sensitivity analyses suggested that the results were not significantly impacted by plausible changes in the input parameter values.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that DBS is a cost-effective intervention in PD patients with early motor complications when compared with existing interventions, offering additional health benefits at acceptable incremental cost. This supports the extended use of DBS among patients with early onset of motor complications.

A Meta-Analysis of Nonpharmacological Interventions for People With Parkinson’s Disease

Nonpharmacological interventions are important in providing care for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. However, there is limited evidence related to their impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We aimed to examine the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions for improving the HRQOL of PD patients. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2015 were searched through electronic searching, computerized author searching, and footnote chasing. A meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3 program. Overall, effect size for the studies ( n = 18) was −4.17 with 95% confidence interval (CI) from −7.63 to −0.70 ( Z = 2.36, p = .02), indicating positive effects of nonpharmacological interventions on HRQOL. In subgroup analysis regarding the intervention types, the effect size of exercise programs was −5.73 with 95% CI of −11.36 to −0.10 ( Z = 2.00, p = .05). Thus, nonpharmacological interventions, and particularly exercise programs, were effective in improving the HRQOL of PD patients.

A Viewpoint on Wearable Technology-Enabled Measurement of Wellbeing and Health-Related Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease

In this viewpoint, we discuss how several aspects of Parkinson's disease (PD) - known to be correlated with wellbeing and health-related quality of life-could be measured using wearable devices ('wearables'). Moreover, three people with PD (PwP) having exhaustive experience with using such devices write about their personal understanding of wellbeing and health-related quality of life, building a bridge between the true needs defined by PwP and the available methods of data collection. Rapidly evolving new technologies develop wearables that probe function and behaviour in domestic environments of people with chronic conditions such as PD and have the potential to serve their needs. Gathered data can serve to inform patient-driven management changes, enabling greater control by PwP and enhancing likelihood of improvements in wellbeing and health-related quality of life. Data can also be used to quantify wellbeing and health-related quality of life. Additionally these techniques can uncover novel more sensitive and more ecologically valid disease-related endpoints. Active involvement of PwP in data collection and interpretation stands to provide personally and clinically meaningful endpoints and milestones to inform advances in research and relevance of translational efforts in PD.

Duration of disease does not equally influence all aspects of quality of life in Parkinson's disease

Health related quality of life (HRQoL) is negatively impacted in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD). For the specific components that comprise HRQoL, the relationship between clinical variables, such as disease duration, is not fully characterized. In this cross-sectional study (n=302), self-reported HRQoL on the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) was evaluated as a global construct as well as individual subscale scores. HRQoL was compared in three groups: those within 5years of diagnosis, those within 6-10years of diagnosis, and those greater than 11years since diagnosis. Non-parametric analyses revealed lower HRQoL with increasing disease duration when assessed as a global construct. However, when subscales were evaluated, difficulties with bodily discomfort and cognitive complaints were comparable in individuals in the 1-5years and 6-10year duration groups. Exploratory regression analyses suggested disease duration does explain unique variance in some subscales, even after controlling for Hoehn and Yahr stage and neuropsychiatric features. Our findings show that HRQoL domains in PD patients are affected differentially across the duration of the disease. Clinicians and researchers may need to tailor interventions intended to improve HRQoL at different domains as the disease progresses.

Health-Related Quality of Life in patients with Parkinson's disease--A systematic review based on the ICF model

We analyzed features associated with a reduction in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in people with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). As a new approach, features were embedded in the WHO framework for measuring health and disability, the ICF model. From 609 articles screened, 114 articles were included. Features aligned with the ICF's body functions and structures domain (BFS) were investigated more often than personal features, activities of daily living, environmental factors, and participation in societal roles (95, 42, 35, 29 and 14 times, respectively). The strongest associations were found for the relationships between HRQoL and "psychosocial functioning" from the participation domain and HRQoL, and "mobility limitations" from the activities domain. For the BFS, non-motor symptoms were more closely associated with reduced HRQoL than motor symptoms. In conclusion, this systematic review (i) provides entirely new insights in the association of HRQoL with PD features, (ii) shows an imbalance between most extensively investigated and most relevant features for HRQoL, and (iii) demonstrates the usefulness of the ICF model for such an approach.

Motivational engagement in Parkinson's disease: Preparation for motivated action

The current study investigated whether motivational dysfunction in Parkinson's patients is related to a deficit in preparing for motivated behavior. Based on previous studies, it was hypothesized that PD patients would show reduced preparation for action specifically when faced with threat (of loss) and that reduced action preparation would relate to self-report of apathy symptoms. The study measured an electrocortical correlate of preparation for action (CNV amplitude) in PD patients and healthy controls, as well as defensive and appetitive activation during emotional perception (LPP amplitude). The sample included 18 non-demented PD patients (tested on dopaminergic medications) and 15 healthy controls who responded as quickly as possible to cues signaling threat of loss or reward, in which the speed of the response determined the outcome. Results indicated that, whereas PD patients showed similar enhanced action preparation with the addition of incentives to controls, PD patients showed generally reduced action preparation, evidenced by reduced CNV amplitude overall. Results suggest that PD patients may have behavioral issues due to globally impaired action preparation but that this deficit is not emotion-specific, and movement preparation may be aided by incentive in PD patients.

Disease-Related Variables and Depression Among Iranian Patients with Parkinson Disease

BACKGROUND

The factors affecting the correlation between Parkinson disease (PD) and depression have remained unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the prevalence of depression among patients with PD and the association between PD-related variables and depression severity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study performed in Kermanshah Province of Iran. Sampling was based on recruitment of subjects according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients with confirmed Parkinson disease who were referred to clinics of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences participated in this study. Depression was evaluated with Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Clinical characteristics of PD, including tremor, rigidity, impaired posture, loss of autonomic movement, changes in speech and handwriting, masked face, and hyposmia were indexed. Anhedonia was assessed with Farsi version of Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale. Data were collected between April 2010 and March 2014.

RESULTS

A total of 350 patients (52.9% men and 47.1% women) participated in this investigation. Female gender (36.5% in women vs. 13.0% in men, P < 0.0001), impaired posture (27.2% in affected individuals vs. 18.8%, P = 0.002), masked face (39.0% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.0001), and hyposmia (48.7% vs. 21.0%, P = 0.001) were associated with higher susceptibility to profound depression. Lower scores of all domains of Farsi version of Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (including interest/pastimes, social interaction, sensory experience, and food/drink) were related to more severe depression (P < 0.0001 for all subscales). Severe and profound depression was found in 44% of the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

This study estimated that the prevalence of major depression among Iranian individuals with PD living in Kermanshah as 44%. Major determinants of depression were female gender, rigidity, impaired posture, masked face, hyposmia, and anhedonia.

Heterogeneous Determinants of Quality of Life in Different Phenotypes of Parkinson's Disease

OBJECTIVES

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is considered a very important outcome indicator in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). A broad list of motor and non-motor features have been shown to affect HRQoL in PD, however, there is a dearth of information about the complexity of interrelationships between determinants of HRQoL in different PD phenotypes. We aimed to find independent determinates and the best structural model for HRQoL, also to investigate the heterogeneity in HRQoL between PD patients with different phenotypes regarding onset-age, progression rate and dominant symptom.

METHODS

A broad spectrum of demographic, motor and non-motor characteristics were collected in 157 idiopathic PD patients, namely comorbidity profile, nutritional status, UPDRS (total items), psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety), fatigue and psychosocial functioning through physical examination, validated questionnaires and scales. Structural equation model (SEM) and multivariate regressions were applied to find determinants of Parkinson's disease summary index (PDSI) and different domains of HRQoL (PDQ-39).

RESULTS

Female sex, anxiety, depression and UPDRS-part II scores were the significant independent determinants of PDSI. A structural model consisting of global motor, global non-motor and co-morbidity indicator as three main components was able to predict 89% of the variance in HRQoL. In older-onset and slow-progression phenotypes, the motor domain showed smaller contribution on HRQoL and the majority of its effects were mediated through non-motor features. Comorbidity component was a significant determinant of HRQoL only among older-onset and non-tremor-dominant PD patients. Fatigue was not a significant indicator of non-motor component to affect HRQoL in rapid-progression PD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed outstanding heterogeneities in the pattern and determinants of HRQoL among PD phenotypes. These factors should be considered during the assessments and developing personalized interventions to improve HRQOL in PD patients with different phenotypes or prominent feature.

Psychological Benefits of Nonpharmacological Methods Aimed for Improving Balance in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a serious condition with a major negative impact on patient's physical and mental health. Postural instability is one of the cardinal difficulties reported by patients to deal with. Neuroanatomical, animal, and clinical studies on nonparkinsonian and parkinsonian subjects suggest an important correlation between the presence of balance dysfunction and multiple mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and apathy. Considering that balance dysfunction is a very common symptom in PD, we can presume that by its management we could positively influence patient's state of mind too. This review is an analysis of nonpharmacological methods shown to be effective and successful for improving balance in patients suffering from PD. Strategies such as general exercise, robotic assisted training, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga, dance (such as tango or ballet), box, virtual reality-based, or neurofeedback-based techniques and so forth can significantly improve the stability in these patients. Beside this physical outcome, many methods have also shown effect on quality of life, depression level, enjoyment, and motivation to continue in practicing the method independently. The purpose of this review is to provide information about practical and creative methods designed to improve balance in PD and highlight their positive impact on patient's psychology.

Time- and frequency-domain parameters of heart rate variability and sympathetic skin response in Parkinson's disease

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is regularly affected in Parkinson's disease (PD). Information on autonomic dysfunction can be derived from e.g. altered heart rate variability (HRV) and sympathetic skin response (SSR). Such parameters can be quantified easily and measured repeatedly which might be helpful for evaluating disease progression and therapeutic outcome. In this 2-center study, HRV and SSR of 45 PD patients and 26 controls were recorded. HRV was measured during supine metronomic breathing and analyzed in time- and frequency-domains. SSR was evoked by repetitive auditory stimulation. Various ANS parameters were compared (1) between patients and healthy controls, (2) to clinical scales (Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Becks Depression Inventory), and (3) to disease duration. Root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio differed significantly between PD and controls. Both, HRV and SSR parameters showed low or no association with clinical scores. Time-domain parameters tended to be affected already at early PD stages but did not consistently change with longer disease duration. In contrast, frequency-domain parameters were not altered in early PD phases but tended to be lower (LF, LF/HF ratio), respectively higher (HF) with increasing disease duration. This report confirms previous results of altered ANS parameters in PD. In addition, it suggests that (1) these ANS parameters are not relevantly associated with motor, behavioral, and cognitive changes in PD, (2) time-domain parameters are useful for the assessment of early PD, and (3) frequency-domain parameters are more closely associated with disease duration.

A Structural Model of Health-Related Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease Patients

Disability-adjusted life expectancy is focused on more than just extending life span; thus, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has emerged as an important issue for elderly patients with chronic disease. The number of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is predicted to grow along with the aging population, so it is essential to identify the predictors of HRQOL. This study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to predict the HRQOL of patients with PD. Participants (N = 217) were patients diagnosed with PD (M age = 66.01). Demographic and disease-related characteristics, sleep quality, pain, depression, and HRQOL were investigated via a structured questionnaire. Participants' functional factors were measured using physical function evaluations. The hypothetical model verified disease-related factors, depression, and pain as direct factors that significantly predicted HRQOL of patients with PD (Goodness of Fit Index = 0.93 and Comparative Fit Index = 0.96). These findings are useful for developing comprehensive interventions to improve the HRQOL of patients with PD.

Evidence for gender differences in cognition, emotion and quality of life in Parkinson's disease?

A number of gender differences have been documented in the incidence and symptomatology of the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder, idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Overall, previous reports suggest a less frequent incidence and a more benign phenotype in women mainly in Western populations, which is thought to be mediated by estrogens in particular in early stages of the disease. Not only motor symptoms seem to underlie gender effects, but also non-motor symptoms such as psychiatric and cognitive impairments, which can often precede motor manifestation. However, reliable results for gender differences in PD in particular of cognitive function and emotion processing, having a major impact on quality of life, are lacking. Moreover, studies investigating gender effects in PD in these areas have revealed highly heterogeneous results. The present review summarizes findings of currently available studies on gender effects on neuropsychological tests covering major cognitive domains, emotion processing as well as quality of life in patients with PD. Overall, the occurrence of cognitive impairment in PD seems to be associated with male gender, though inconsistent results were shown in cognitive screening tests. Regarding emotion recognition, men with PD were found to be less accurate than women with PD at identifying fearful expressions, whereas vice versa results appeared in healthy subjects. Lower quality of life and greater disability were reported by women compared to men with PD, which corresponds with the results in healthy subjects. Several disease-specific mediators as well as the question of a general gender and age-related effect as observed in healthy individuals are discussed. Increased knowledge on possible gender effects in PD would provide an enhanced insight in underlying pathological mechanisms, and has potential implications for the diagnosis and treatment of PD.

Relationship between the MDS-UPDRS domains and the health-related quality of life of Parkinson's disease patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Movement Disorder Society sponsored version of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) is a comprehensive instrument for assessing Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study was aimed at determining the relationships between MDS-UPDRS components and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) evaluations in PD patients.

METHODS

An international, multicenter, cross-sectional study was carried out of 435 PD patients assessed with the MDS-UPDRS, Hoehn and Yahr (HY), Clinical Impression Severity for PD, EQ-5D and PD Questionnaire - eight items (PDQ-8). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression models (dependent variables EQ-5D and PDQ-8) were performed.

RESULTS

The participants' age was 66.71 ± 10.32 years (51.5% men). PD duration was 8.52 ± 6.14, and median HY was 2 (range 1-5). The correlation between the EQ-5D index and the MDS-UPDRS ranged from -0.46 (Part IV) to -0.72 (Part II) and for the PDQ-8 index from 0.47 (Part III) to 0.74 (Part II). In multiple regression models with the MDS-UPDRS domains as independent variables, the main determinant for both the EQ-5D index and the PDQ-8 was Part II followed by Part I. After factorial grouping of the cardinal PD manifestations embedded in the MDS-UPDRS Parts III and IV for inclusion into multiple regression models, a factor formed by M-EDL, nM-EDL and fluctuations was the main determinant for both the EQ-5D and PDQ-8 indexes.

CONCLUSIONS

The MDS-UPDRS component most tightly related with the HRQoL measures was a combination of motor and non-motor experiences of daily living.

The cost-effectiveness of deep brain stimulation in combination with best medical therapy, versus best medical therapy alone, in advanced Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex progressive movement disorder leading to motor and non-motor symptoms that become increasingly debilitating as the disease advances, considerably reducing quality of life. Advanced treatment options include deep brain stimulation (DBS). While clinical effectiveness of DBS has been demonstrated in a number of randomised controlled trials (RCT), evidence on cost-effectiveness is limited. The cost-effectiveness of DBS combined with BMT, versus BMT alone, was evaluated from a UK payer perspective. Individual patient-level data on the effect of DBS on PD symptom progression from a large 6-month RCT were used to develop a Markov model representing clinical progression and capture treatment effect and costs. A 5-year time horizon was used, and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) and uncertainty assessed in deterministic sensitivity analyses. Total discounted costs in the DBS and BMT groups over 5 years were £68,970 and £48,243, respectively, with QALYs of 2.21 and 1.21, giving an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £20,678 per QALY gained. Utility weights in each health state and costs of on-going medication appear to be the key drivers of uncertainty in the model. The results suggest that DBS is a cost-effective intervention in patients with advanced PD who are eligible for surgery, providing good value for money to health care payers.

Health-related quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients in northeastern Sicily, Italy: (An ecological perspective)

Parkinson's disease has a negative impact on health-related quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients. Depression, cognitive impairment, coping strategies, dyskinesia, gait disorders and complications of dopaminergic drugs are the variables that most affect health-related quality of life. The ecological model of human development focuses attention on both individual and social environmental factors as targets for health interventions. From this perspective, the aim of this cross-sectional survey was to evaluate the influence of gender, family size and perceived autonomy on health-related quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients in northeastern Sicily, Italy. Ninety Parkinson's disease patients, attending the Movement Disorders Clinic at IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo" (Messina), were consecutively enrolled. The Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale motor subscale (UPDRS-III) scores, the Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39 Item scores (as a disease-specific measure of health-related quality of life), scores on the Short Form (36) Health Survey Questionnaire (as a generic measure), and answers to a brief checklist were recorded. A total of 85 Parkinson's disease patients (49% males and 51% females; mean age 70.8 ± 8.6 years; mean UPDRS-III 24.15 ± 6.55; mean disease duration 5.52 ± 4.65 years) completed the booklet of questionnaires. In the multivariate regression analysis, we included clinical and social variables as independent predictors of health-related quality of life. Our results suggest a potential compounding effect of ecological intrapersonal and interpersonal levels on health-related quality of life outcomes. Gender, self-evaluated autonomy and family size significantly impacted health-related quality of life. If quality of life is used as an indicator of treatment outcomes, an ecological perspective of the case history will be important to disclose relevant prognostic information and trigger personalized health care interventions.

Clinical determinants of health-related quality of life in Mexican patients with Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common chronic neurodegenerative disorder. PD is clinically characterized by a constellation of motor and nonmotor symptoms that may have a direct effect on daily activities as well as in the quality of life of the patient. Identifying the symptoms more closely associated with a poor quality of life is central on improving the medical care of the patient. We undertook this study to identify and describe the clinical and demographic factors that predict health-related quality of life among Mexican patients with PD.

METHODS

One hundred seventy-seven patients with Parkinson's disease were included. Patients were evaluated using the following clinimetric instruments: motor subscale of the Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale, Hoehn and Yahr stage, Non-motor Symptoms Questionnaire, Parkinson's disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and the Mini Mental Status Examination.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that the main factors associated with a poor quality of life were motor impairment (β = 0.27, p <0.001) and the number of nonmotor symptoms (β = 2.17, p <0.001). The main nonmotor domains impacting on the quality of life were depression/anxiety (β = 6.36, p <0.001), cardiovascular (β = 5.39, p = 0.001), memory (β = 4.64, p <0.001) and miscellaneous (β = 3.15, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both motor and mainly nonmotor symptoms are negatively associated with health-related quality of life in patients with PD and should be appropriately attended in order to improve patient care.

Parkinson's disease related pain: a review of recent findings

In this review we summarize progress in research on Parkinson's disease-related pain as reported in articles published in the Journal of Neurology in the years 2011 and 2012.