Depression is associated with freezing of gait in patients with Parkinson´s disease

This study investigated the factors associated with freezing of gait (brief incapacity to walk) of patients with Parkinson´s disease (PD). Researchers suggested that depression is associated with this symptom.

PD is a long-term disease that affects brain cells. Symptoms generally come slowly with time and may consist of tremor, rigidity, and difficulty with walking. Freezing of gait (FOG) is a common symptom that consists of the brief incapacity to walk despite the intention to.

Prior studies suggested that this symptom is associated with the emotional well-being of the patients. Thus, patients with anxiety and/or depression may be more likely to have FOG. However, these studies have limitations, including short follow-up times.

This study included information about 56 patients with PD with no FOG at diagnosis. These patients were re-evaluated 5 years later.

After 5 years, 26 patients (46%) had started experiencing FOG. 80% of patients with depression at the initial evaluation developed FOG before the 5 years. Patients with high scores of depression at the beginning of the study were 10.93 times more likely to develop FOG in 5 years compared to non-depressed patients.

This study determined that depression is associated with the development of freezing of gait in patients with PD.

This study had a low number of patients. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about depressive symptoms.