Health-related quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: a cross-sectional study focusing on non-motor symptoms

Abstract

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Estonian persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods268 persons with PD were evaluated using: the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS); the Hoehn and Yahr scale (HY); the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living scale (SE-ADL); the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE); the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Additional questions on clinical and socio-demographic variables were asked during a semi-structured interview. Predictors of HRQoL were tested using multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe main predictors of low HRQoL were depression and motor and non-motor aspects of daily living. 59.9 % of the variation in the PDQ-39 summary index (SI) score was explained by the predictive variables identified in this study. None of the socio-demographic variables (age, gender, urban/rural living, marital status, living alone/with others, education level) were significant predictors of HRQoL. Prevalence of non-motor Parkinson’s symptoms were high (99.6 %); cognitive impairment, sleep and urinary problems were the most common. All non-motor symptoms correlated significantly with low HRQoL, except the features of impulse control disorders (ICDs).ConclusionsDepression and motor and non-motor daily living experiences were found to be significant and independent factors of low HRQoL in persons with PD. Depression was the strongest determinant of low HRQoL. Our results highlight the importance of recognition and management of non-motor symptoms, as these features had more impact on patients’ HRQoL than clinically assessed motor symptoms.

Phenomenology and gender characteristics of hobbyism and punding in Parkinson’s disease: A self-report study

“…Also, they reported feeling loss of control over the specific activities in which they engaged. This might suggest a negative impact of hobbyism and punding in PD on subjective wellbeing, and recently, Kadastik-Eerme et al [31] showed that non-motor symptoms in PD including impulse control disorders are associated with decreased health-related quality of life. Future studies are needed to assess the extent to which time consumption on and pre-occupation with ICB's affects quality of life and overall everyday functioning.…”

Response to the letter by Scorza et al

“…1 We read with great interest the papers cited in this letter that investigate the comorbidity and mortality of PD, paying a special attention to the cardiac abnormalities, in particular, the sudden unexpected death in PD (SUDPAR). 5 Although the causes of morbidity and mortality are shown to be similar in the general population and in the PD population, it has been shown that the survival is shorter among PD patients. Older age is associated not only with the higher prevalence of PD, but also with other diseases including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and oncological disorders.…”

“…3,4 Our earlier cross-sectional study on the healthrelated quality of life of patients with PD showed that women have statistically higher load of comorbidities compared to men, including a significantly higher rate of cardiovascular diseases. 5 Although the causes of morbidity and mortality are shown to be similar in the general population and in the PD population, it has been shown that the survival is shorter among PD patients. 6 Higher burden of comorbidities has shown to be a predictor of death in PD patients.…”

The Effects of Exercise on People with Parkinson’s Disease—Review

“…Depression is the most common determinant of reduced quality of life [37]. It has a substantial impact on quality of life of both the patients and their families.…”