Probiotics for constipation in Parkinson’s disease: A randomized placebo-controlled study

Objective:To determine whether probiotics are effective for constipation, a common and often difficult-to-treat problem, in Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods:In this double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled single-centre trial, 280 PD patients were screened and 72 eligible patients were block-randomized (1:1) to receive either multi-strain probiotics capsules (n=34), or identical-appearing placebo (n=38), for four weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in the average number of spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) per week during the last two weeks of intervention, compared with the two-week pre-intervention phase, recorded by daily stool diary. Secondary outcome measures included changes in stool consistency, constipation severity score, and quality of life related to constipation. Satisfaction with intervention received was assessed. Change in levels of fecal calprotectin, a marker of intestinal inflammation, was an exploratory outcome.Results:SBM increased by 1.0±1.2/week after treatment with probiotics, and decreased by 0.3±1.0/week in the placebo group (mean difference 1.3, 95%CI: 0.8-1.8, P<0.001). Significant improvements were also seen for secondary outcomes after correction for multiple comparisons, including stool consistency (P=0.009) and quality of life related to constipation (P=0.001). In the treatment group, 65.6% reported satisfaction with the intervention, vs. only 21.6% in the placebo group (P<0.001). One patient (2.9%) in the treatment group withdrew due to a non-serious adverse event. Fecal calprotectin did not change significantly during the study.Conclusions:Multi-strain probiotics treatment was effective for constipation in PD. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of probiotics in PD, as well as their mechanisms of action.Classification of evidence:This study provides Class I evidence that for people with PD, multi-strain probiotics significantly increased the average number of spontaneous bowel movements per week.Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:NCT03377322

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A Mobile Phone App-Based Tai Chi Training in Parkinson's Disease: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Study

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2020.615861 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Song Gao ◽

Keneilwe Kenny Kaudimba ◽

Jiaxin Cai ◽

Yao Tong ◽

Qianqian Tian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Mobile Phone ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Experimental Group

Introduction: With an increasing number of China's aging population, Parkinson's disease (PD) increases year by year. Persons with PD exhibit abnormal balance functions, leading to motor skills difficulties, such as unstable walking or even falling. Therefore, activities of daily living and quality of life are affected. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of Tai Chi training based on the mobile phone app in improving the balance ability of persons with PD.Methods and Analysis: A randomized, single-blind, parallel controlled trial will be conducted in this study. One hundred forty-four persons with PD who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into a 1:1:1 ratio: (1) control group, (2) basic experimental group (basic app with no Tai Chi training features), and (3) balanced-enhanced experimental group (basic app with Tai Chi training features). Individuals with PD will be evaluated on balance and motor function outcomes. The primary outcome measure is the limits of stability (including the maximum excursion and direction control); the secondary outcome measures include the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS-III), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up & Go (TUG), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Each group of patients will go through an assessment at baseline, 17 and 33 weeks.Discussion: This study will evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile phone app Tai Chi training on the balance function of persons with PD. We assume that a challenging Tai Chi project based on a mobile phone app will improve balance in the short and long term. As walking stability progresses, it is expected that daily activities and quality of life improve. These findings will be used to improve the effectiveness of future home management measures for persons with PD.Ethics and Dissemination: This study has been approved by the ethical review committee of the Shanghai University of Sport (approval number: 102772019RT056). Informed consent will be obtained from all participants or their guardians. The authors intend to submit the study findings to peer-reviewed journals or academic conferences to be published.Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000029135).

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Critical issues of the biopsychosocial treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Orvosi Hetilap ◽

10.1556/oh.2015.30109 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 156 (12) ◽

pp. 472-478 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Péter Kincses ◽

Norbert Kovács ◽

Kázmér Karádi ◽

János Kállai

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Interdisciplinary Approach ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Psychological Burden ◽

Her Family ◽

Critical Issues

This paper is a summary report on the basic questions of the biopsychosocial approach to Parkinson’s disease. It deals with cognitive, affective and psychological health issues which significantly influence the outcome of the physical rehabilitation. In spite of the unchanged cognitive status, the psychological burden of the changes in the quality of life, the obstruction, the change in the affective tone, and the shrinking ability to fulfil social roles decrease the patient’s quality of life. An interdisciplinary approach is best suited for mitigating these effects. Not only the patient but also his/her family and environment is seriously affected by the disease and its consequences. Treatment and rehabilitation options for increasing or maintaining the quality of life of the affected patients are diverse, and significantly depend on the features of the health care system. The authors believe that the following review emphasizing health psychological principles may contribute to the work of professionals working in clinical and rehabilitational fields and through them may increase the quality of life of patients and their family. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(12), 472–478.

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Effects of Dry Needling on Function, Muscle Tone and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease

Case Medical Research ◽

10.31525/ct1-nct04101214 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Muscle Tone ◽

Dry Needling

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The Parkinson’s Real-World Impact Assessment (PRISM) Study: A European Survey of the Burden of Parkinson’s Disease in Patients and their Carers

Journal of Parkinson s Disease ◽

10.3233/jpd-212611 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Eduardo Tolosa ◽

Georg Ebersbach ◽

Joaquim J. Ferreira ◽

Olivier Rascol ◽

Angelo Antonini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Impact Assessment ◽

Real World ◽

European Countries ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Motor Symptoms ◽

Non Motor Symptoms

Background: A greater understanding of the everyday experiences of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their carers may help improve clinical practice. Objective: The Parkinson’s Real-world Impact assesSMent (PRISM) study evaluated medication use, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the use of healthcare resources by people with PD and their carers. Methods: PRISM is an observational cross-sectional study, in which people with PD and their carers completed an online survey using structured questionnaires, including the Parkinson’s Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQ-39), Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire (NMSQuest) and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Results: Data were collected from 861 people with PD (mean age, 65.0 years; mean disease duration, 7.7 years) and 256 carers from six European countries. People with PD reported a large number of different co-morbidities, non-motor symptoms (mean NMSQuest score, 12.8), and impaired HRQoL (median PDQ-39 summary score, 29.1). Forty-five percent of people with PD reported at least one impulse control behaviour. Treatment patterns varied considerably between different European countries. Levodopa was taken in the last 12 months by 85.9% of participants, and as monotherapy by 21.8% . Carers, who were mostly female (64.8%) and the partner/spouse of the person with PD (82.1%), reported mild to moderate burden (mean ZBI total score, 26.6). Conclusions: The PRISM study sheds light on the lives of people with PD and those who care for them, re-emphasising the many challenges they face in everyday life. The study also provides insights into the current treatment of PD in Europe.

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Effects of music-based movement therapy on motor function, balance, gait, mental health, and quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215521990526 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026921552199052

Author(s):

Zonglei Zhou ◽

Ruzhen Zhou ◽

Wen Wei ◽

Rongsheng Luan ◽

Kunpeng Li

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Motor Function ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Freezing Of Gait ◽

Movement Therapy ◽

Walking Velocity

Objective: To conduct a systematic review evaluating the effects of music-based movement therapy on motor function, balance, gait, mental health, and quality of life among individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Data sources: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database was carried out to identify eligible papers published up to December 10, 2020. Review methods: Literature selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were independently performed by two investigators. Publication bias was determined by funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. “Trim and fill” analysis was performed to adjust any potential publication bias. Results: Seventeen studies involving 598 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Music-based movement therapy significantly improved motor function (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor subscale, MD = −5.44, P = 0.002; Timed Up and Go Test, MD = −1.02, P = 0.001), balance (Berg Balance Scale, MD = 2.02, P < 0.001; Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, MD = 2.95, P = 0.001), freezing of gait (MD = −2.35, P = 0.039), walking velocity (MD = 0.18, P < 0.001), and mental health (SMD = −0.38, P = 0.003). However, no significant effects were observed on gait cadence, stride length, and quality of life. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that music-based movement therapy is an effective treatment approach for improving motor function, balance, freezing of gait, walking velocity, and mental health for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

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Impact of Depression and Anxiety on Dimensions of Health-Related Quality of Life in Subjects with Parkinson’s Disease Enrolled in an Association of Patients

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11060771 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 771

Author(s):

Fany Chuquilín-Arista ◽

Tania Álvarez-Avellón ◽

Manuel Menéndez-González

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Well Being ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms. Depression and anxiety are common manifestations in PD and may be determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study is to determine the association of depression and anxiety with the dimensions of HRQoL in subjects with PD enrolled in an association of patients. Ninety-five community-based patients with PD diagnosis at different disease stages were studied. HRQoL was assessed using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39); depression and anxiety were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), respectively. Our results showed that depression and anxiety were negatively associated with HRQoL measured by PDSI. Higher motor dysfunction measured by Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) staging was also associated with worse HRQoL. Depression was the most influential variable in the model. All PDQ-39 dimensions except social support and bodily discomfort were associated with depression. Anxiety was associated with the emotional well-being and bodily discomfort dimensions. These results suggest that physicians should pay attention to the presence of psychiatric symptoms and treat them appropriately.

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Sleep problems affect quality of life in Parkinson's disease along disease progression

Sleep Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.sleep.2021.02.036 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 81 ◽

pp. 307-311 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Claudio Liguori ◽

Valentino De Franco ◽

Rocco Cerroni ◽

Matteo Spanetta ◽

Nicola Biagio Mercuri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Disease Progression ◽

Sleep Problems

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Donepezil for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-84243-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kyoungwon Baik ◽

Seon Myeong Kim ◽

Jin Ho Jung ◽

Yang Hyun Lee ◽

Seok Jong Chung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractWe investigated the efficacy of donepezil for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD-MCI). This was a prospective, non-randomized, open-label, two-arm study. Eighty PD-MCI patients were assigned to either a treatment or control group. The treatment group received donepezil for 48 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Exam and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. Secondary outcome measures were the Clinical Dementia Rating, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III, Clinical Global Impression scores. Progression of dementia was assessed at 48-week. Comprehensive neuropsychological tests and electroencephalography (EEG) were performed at baseline and after 48 weeks. The spectral power ratio of the theta to beta2 band (TB2R) in the electroencephalogram was analyzed. There was no significant difference in the primary and secondary outcome measures between the two groups. However, the treatment group showed a significant decrease in TB2R at bilateral frontotemporoparietal channels compared to the control group. Although we could not demonstrate improvements in the cognitive functions, donepezil treatment had a modulatory effect on the EEG in PD-MCI patients. EEG might be a sensitive biomarker for detecting changes in PD-MCI after donepezil treatment.

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Cognitive training interventions for dementia and mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease - A cochrane review summary with commentary

Neurorehabilitation ◽

10.3233/nre-218001 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-3

Author(s):

Tobias Loetscher

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Cognitive Impairments ◽

Cochrane Review ◽

Cognitive Domains ◽

Training Interventions

BACKGROUND: The majority of people living with Parkinson’s disease will develop impairments in cognition. These impairments are associated with a reduced quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The Cochrane Review aimed to investigate whether cognitive training improves cognition in people with Parkinson’s disease and mild cognitive impairments or dementia. METHODS: A Cochrane Review by Orgeta et al. was summarized with comments. RESULTS: The review included seven studies with a total of 225 participants. There was no evidence for improvements in global cognition when cognitive training was compared to control conditions. Observed improvements in attention and verbal memory measures after cognitive training could not be confirmed in a subsequent sensitivity analysis. There was no evidence for benefits in other cognitive domains or quality of life measures. The certainty of the evidence was low for all comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of cognitive training for people with Parkinson’s disease and cognitive impairments remains inconclusive. There is a pressing need for adequately powered trials with higher methodological quality.

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