Progression of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms over Time in an Incident Parkinson’s Disease Cohort (ICICLE-PD)

Abstract

Background: Cross-sectional studies have identified that the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) ranges from 70–89%. However, there are few longitudinal studies determining the impact of NPS on quality of life (QoL) in PD patients and their caregivers. We seek to determine the progression of NPS in early PD. Methods: Newly diagnosed idiopathic PD cases (n = 212) and age-matched controls (n = 99) were recruited into a longitudinal study. NPS were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory with Caregiver Distress scale (NPI-D). Further neuropsychological and clinical assessments were completed by participants, with reassessment at 18 and 36 months. Linear mixed-effects modelling determined factors associated with NPI-D and QoL over 36 months. Results: Depression, anxiety, apathy and hallucinations were more frequent in PD than controls at all time points (p < 0.05). Higher motor severity at baseline was associated with worsening NPI-D scores over time (β = 0.1, p < 0.05), but not cognition. A higher NPI total score was associated with poorer QoL at any time point (β = 0.3, p < 0.001), but not changed in QoL scores. Conclusion: NPS are significantly associated with poorer QoL, even in early PD. Screening for NPS from diagnosis may allow efficient delivery of better support and treatment to patients and their families.

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“…Lower income, worse mood in the care partner as measured by the short form of the Profile of Mood States of the care partner, and increased motor severity of the person with PD have been identified as predictors of poorer care partner quality of life in a follow‐up of 12 months, while economic pressure, relationship satisfaction, and social support were not identified as such 10,15 . Physical activity of the person with PD at baseline was found to be associated with less future care partner burden at the timepoint of 3 years 13 …”

Investigating the Convergent Mechanisms between Major Depressive Disorder and Parkinson’s Disease

“…Conversely, many epidemiological studies have suggested that MDD can increase the likelihood of developing PD in later life [7, 8]. This highlights MDD as a mental health concern that is not only debilitating through its influence on mood but also in its potential to predispose physical impairments in the form of parkinsonism.…”

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