Which symptoms of Parkinson’s disease affect more the quality of life of patients?

This study investigated the effect of Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms on the quality of life of patients. Researchers suggested that symptoms affect the quality of life of these patients more than movement-related symptoms. 

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic disorder that affects the brain cells. These cells lose their abilities which causes physical and mental symptoms. Physical symptoms range from movement disorders to digestive and urinary symptoms. 

The mental symptoms of PD might occur in the early stages of the disease but may also persist over a number of years. These symptoms are present in the majority of patients with PD. However, these symptoms are frequently missed during consultations, and therefore remain untreated. Both physical and mental symptoms significantly affect the quality of life of patients with PD. However, only a few studies investigated the relationship between both physical and mental symptoms and quality of life in patients with PD.

This study included 3022 patients with PD. All participants filled a questionnaire assessing both physical and mental symptoms and their quality of life. 

Poorer quality of life was strongly associated with longer off-time, duration of PD, work status, and more physical symptoms. Memory problems were strongly associated with the PD symptoms and quality of life, followed by mood and digestive problems.  

This study concluded that both physical and mental PD symptoms affect the quality of life of patients and should not go untreated. 

This study was based on patients willing to complete a questionnaire, which might affect the results due to missing data. Further studies are necessary with improved assessment methods.