Clinical Medicine Evolution of Quality of Life in Persons with Parkinsons Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Clinical Medicine Evolution of Quality of Life in Persons with Parkinsons Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Where did the research take place?
Possible study sites were matched from the text; these need review.
Albacete, ES · Possible study site
A cohort study was conducted of patients at different stages of PD in the Albacete health district.Location evidence
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Original abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that results in important functional symptoms, altered mood, and deterioration in quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to determine the evolution of the QoL in persons with PD in the Albacete health district over a two-year period and identify associated sociodemographic, clinical, and socio-health characteristics. A cohort study was conducted of patients at different stages of PD in the Albacete health district. Calculated sample size: 155 patients. Instruments: A purpose-designed questionnaire for data collection and the “Parkinson Disease Questionnaire” (PDQ-39), which measures 8 dimensions and a global index where a higher score indicates worse quality of life. Three measurements were made: baseline, one year, two years. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was conducted. Ethical aspects: informed consent, anonymized data. Results: Mean age 69.51 (standard deviation, SD 8.73) years, 60% male, 75.5% married, and 85.5% lived with family. The most frequent motor symptoms were slow movement (86.23%), postural instability (55.5%), tremor (45.5%), and dyskinesia (24.6%). Among the non-motor symptoms were fatigue (66.2%), pain, daytime somnolence, constipation, and apathy, with approximately 50% each. The mean QoL score at baseline was 27.47 (SD 16.14); 95% CI (confidence interval) 24.91–30.03. At two years, global QoL had slightly worsened (28.3; SD 17.26; 95% CI 25.41–31.18), with a statistically significant worsening in mobility, activities of daily living, and communication, whereas social support improved.