The New Satisfaction with Life and Treatment Scale (SLTS-7) in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Background: The satisfaction with life and, in particular, with treatment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is understudied. Objective: To explore a new 7-item rating tool assessing satisfaction with life and treatment (SLTS-7) in PD. Methods: In this cross-sectional, multi-center study, including patients screened for advanced therapies, psychometric characteristics of the SLTS-7 were analyzed. An exploratory factor analysis identified the underlying factorial structure of the SLTS-7. Results: 117 patients were included, and the data quality of the SLTS-7 was excellent (computable data 100%), and acceptability measures satisfied standard criteria. Besides the global assessment (item 1), the exploratory factor analysis produced item 2 (physical satisfaction) as an independent item and two factors among the remaining items: items 3–5 (psycho-social satisfaction), and items 6 and 7 (treatment satisfaction). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.89, indicative of high internal consistency. The SLTS-7 total score correlated moderately with motor symptoms and weakly with non-motor symptoms total scores. SLTS-7 showed the highest correlations with the European Quality of Life with 5 items (EQ-5D) visual analog scale (0.43–0.58, p < 0.01), indicating a moderate convergent validity. The SLTS-7 significantly increased with higher non-motor symptoms burden levels (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Life satisfaction in PD covers three specific aspects, namely physical, psycho-social, and treatment satisfaction. The new SLTS-7 is a valid, reliable, and easy-to-use tool to assess satisfaction with life and treatment in patients with PD screened for advanced therapies. Longitudinal studies analyzing the effect of advanced PD treatment on life and treatment satisfaction are warranted.

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Emerging Pharmacotherapies for Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology ◽

10.1177/08919887211018275 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 263-273

Author(s):

Mohammad Al Majali ◽

Michael Sunnaa ◽

Pratap Chand

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽

Review Article ◽

Treatment Goals ◽

Motor Symptoms ◽

Adequate Treatment ◽

Advanced Therapies ◽

Non Motor Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second commonest neurodegenerative disorder in the older adult and is characterized by progressive disabling motor symptoms of bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, postural instability and also non motor symptoms that affect quality of life. The pharmacotherapy of PD consists of oral, transdermal, and subcutaneous medications, as well as invasive advanced therapies at later stages of the disease. PD medications are often started as monotherapy but with the progression of the illness often there is a need to add more medications and frequently comprises of a challenging polypharmacotherapy. Adverse effects of pharmacotherapy often add to the problems of adequate treatment. Patients and physicians have to prioritize treatment goals on the most disabling symptoms and the safest and most effective treatments. Almost every year newer medications and modes of delivery continue to be researched and added to the therapeutic armamentarium. This review article outlines existing and emerging pharmacotherapies for motor symptoms in PD.

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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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A mobile app for tracking non-motor symptoms of people with Parkinson’s disease: A usability study

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3284 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 890-890

Author(s):

JuHee Lee ◽

Yujin Suh ◽

Yielin Kim

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Tracking System ◽

Smart Phone ◽

Telephone Counseling ◽

Mobile App ◽

Motor Symptoms ◽

Hand Tremor ◽

Non Motor Symptoms

Abstract Smart phone-based technology for people with Parkinson’s disease has been developed worldwide. Unmonitored non-motor symptoms decrease quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease, so the needs for technology to manage non-motor symptoms are increasing. The technology is needed to detect subtle changes in non-motor symptoms by healthcare professional. There is no mobile app which manage comprehensive symptoms of Parkinson’s disease including non-motor symptoms. It is necessary to develop a new tracking system that can effectively manage non-motor symptoms as well as motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. We developed a prototype of mobile app for Android smartphones, with cooperation with Mazelone company. we also have shaped functions for monitoring of motor symptoms and medication adherence. It also provided a section for caregivers to use on behalf of people with Parkinson’s disease who have difficulty to use app due to hand tremor. Through Delphi technique, we obtained content validity from eight medical and nursing experts on the contents of the application. We provided regular telephone counseling to improve and encourage their app usage. Fifteen participants used the app for 6 weeks. To evaluate usability of mobile app, we provided constructed questionnaire and conducted individual telephone interview. A mobile app for tracking non-motor symptoms demonstrated high usability and satisfaction. We learned lessons about facilitators and barriers when implementing an app such as perception and acceptance of mobile technology. The mobile app will improve continuum of care. Future studies need to improve the contents and refine technical approach for people with Parkinson’s disease.

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1.032 NON-MOTOR SYMPTOMS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Parkinsonism & Related Disorders ◽

10.1016/s1353-8020(11)70146-8 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 18 ◽

pp. S18

Author(s):

D. Joshi ◽

P. Chatterjee ◽

B. Kumar ◽

A.Z. Ansari ◽

V.N. Mishra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Motor Symptoms ◽

Non Motor Symptoms

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Short-term quality of life after subthalamic stimulation depends on non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease

Brain Stimulation ◽

10.1016/j.brs.2018.02.015 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 867-874 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Haidar Salimi Dafsari ◽

Luisa Weiß ◽

Monty Silverdale ◽

Alexandra Rizos ◽

Prashanth Reddy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Motor Symptoms ◽

Short Term ◽

Subthalamic Stimulation ◽

Non Motor Symptoms

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Parkinsonism, Parkinson’s disease, and related conditions

Oxford Textbook of Geriatric Medicine ◽

10.1093/med/9780198701590.003.0116 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 897-906

Author(s):

John V. Hindle ◽

Sion Jones ◽

Glesni Davies

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Older People ◽

Lewy Bodies ◽

Cell Loss ◽

Brain Regions ◽

Motor Symptoms ◽

Advanced Care Planning ◽

Non Motor Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized clinically by fatiguable bradykinesia, rigidity and tremor and pathologically by deposition of Lewy bodies and cell loss in the substantia nigra and other brain regions. Parkinsonism is the term used to describe the clinical features of conditions resembling PD. Their management requires specialist assessment and a multidisciplinary approach. Levodopa remains the mainstay of treatment for PD. Although other treatments are used, older people are more sensitive to their side effects. Non-motor symptoms, particularly neuropsychiatric problems, significantly impact quality of life and need special consideration in older people. Towards the later stage of the disease, management can be complex, and should involve advanced care planning.

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Effects of Qigong Exercise on Non-Motor Symptoms and Inflammatory Status in Parkinson’s Disease: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Medicines ◽

10.3390/medicines6010013 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 13 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sanghee Moon ◽

Caio Sarmento ◽

Irina Smirnova ◽

Yvonne Colgrove ◽

Kelly Lyons ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Motor Symptoms ◽

Mixed Design ◽

Inflammatory Status ◽

Non Motor Symptoms ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Background: Non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbance, cognitive decline, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) impact quality of life. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in individuals with PD have been reported, which may contribute to non-motor symptoms. A mind-body exercise, Qigong, has demonstrated benefits across different medical conditions. However, a lack of evidence causes clinicians and patients to be uncertain about the effects of Qigong in individuals with PD. This study will examine the effects of Qigong on non-motor symptoms and inflammatory status in individuals with PD. Methods: Sixty individuals with PD will be recruited. Qigong and sham Qigong group (n = 30 for each) will receive a 12-week intervention. Participants will practice their assigned exercise at home (2×/day) and attend routinely group exercise meetings. Results: Clinical questionnaires and neuropsychological tests will measure non-motor symptoms including sleep quality (primary outcome). Biomarker assays will measure inflammatory status. A two-way mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be utilized. Conclusions: This study may generate evidence for the benefits of Qigong on non-motor symptoms of PD and the effect on inflammatory status. Findings may lead to the development of a novel, safe, and cost-effective rehabilitation approach for individuals with PD.

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