Naturalistic Study of Depression Associated with Parkinson’s Disease in a National Public Neurological Referral Center in Mexico

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a major health problem in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. We described the clinical and sociodemographic factors of MDD among patients with PD at a national neurological referral center in Mexico. One hundred patients with PD + MDD were included in the study. All the patients were evaluated during the “ON” treatment phase of PD. Clinical scales for cognition (MMSE and MoCA) and MDD (MADRS) were applied. The mean age was 58.49 ± 11.02 years, and 57% of the sample was male. The most frequent symptom of PD was tremor (67%), and onset was more frequent on the right side (57%). Additionally, 49% of the patients with PD had moderate to severe (M/S) MDD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most frequent antidepressant treatment (69%). The scores of the scales were MADRS 21.33 ± 5.49, MoCA 21.06 ± 4.65, and MMSE 26.67 ± 1.20. The females had lower MMSE scores compared to the males (p = 0.043). The patients with M/S MDD had more rigidity at the beginning of PD (p = 0.005), fewer march alterations (p = 0.023), and a greater prevalence of left-side initial disease (p = 0.037). Rigidity was associated with M/S MDD (OR 3.75 p = 0.013). MDD was slightly more frequent in the males than in the females. The MDD symptoms and cognitive impairment were worse in the female population.

Unveiling the Hidden Challenges: Non-Motor Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease

“…Therefore, identifying and addressing these psychiatric symptoms is essential for improving patients' well-being and overall outcomes. In the study by Janssen-Aguilar et al [11], the authors aimed to investigate the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) in PD patients in a neurological referral center in Mexico. While the severity of MDD was higher in females than in males, there were no statistically significant differences between them.…”

“…These include exploring the impact of different compounds on behavior [4], identifying the role of microglial cells in disease progression [6], and assessing the effectiveness of drugs like Opicapone in managing both motor and non-motor symptoms [8]. Clinical and sociodemographic factors related to psychiatric disturbances are discussed [11]. Del Toro-Pérez et al [13] show how the advancements in diagnostics like transcranial sonography provide valuable insights, whereas innovative approaches such as virtual reality demonstrate potential benefits [18].…”