Feasibility of online PD SAFEx™ exercise rehabilitation for symptom improvements of Parkinson’s disease: A pilot study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Quincy J. Almeida ◽  
Charlotte Jarvis ◽  
Kishoree Sangarapillai

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting both motor and cognitive symptoms. While medications show some improvement in motor symptoms, cognitive symptoms can worsen. In-person exercise programs, such as PD SAFEx™, are an important adjunct therapy in improving symptoms. However, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) limited in-person exercise interventions. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the effectiveness of online exercise delivery. OBJECTIVE: To identify (1) whether an online exercise intervention can achieve similar results to an identical in-person intervention and (2) if online PD SAFEx™ can alter the cognitive decline of PD patients. METHODS: 20 participants with idiopathic PD participated in a 12-week online PD SAFEx™ program and were compared to 73 participants from in-person PD SAFEx™. The primary outcome measure was the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale-III measured before/after intervention. Three secondary cognitive measures were collected with the online group. RESULTS: Main effect of time on UPDRS-III scores of both groups were found (F(1,92) = 35.555, p <  0.001). No interaction was found between in-person and online groups (F(1,1) = 0.052, p = 0.820). TMT B in the online group showed significant improvements in executive function (F(1,17) = 7.095, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Online and in-person PD SAFEx™ both achieved clinically significant UPDRS-III improvement and are statistically equivalent. Online PD SAFEx™ reduced cognitive symptoms seen during COVID-19.

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-yi Kuai ◽  
Xiao-han Yao ◽  
Li-juan Xu ◽  
Yu-qing Zhou ◽  
Li-ping Zhang ◽  
...  

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and 70–80% of PD patients suffer from gastrointestinal dysfunction such as constipation. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treating PD related to gastrointestinal dysfunction. We conducted a prospective, single- study. Eleven patients with PD received FMT. Fecal samples were collected before and after FMT and subjected to 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene sequencing. Hoehn-Yahr (H-Y) grade, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score, and the Non-Motion Symptom Questionnaire (NMSS) were used to assess improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms. PAC-QOL score and Wexner constipation score were used to assess the patient's constipation symptoms. All patients were tested by the small intestine breath hydrogen test, performed before and after FMT. Community richness (chao) and microbial structure in before-FMT PD patients were significantly different from the after-FMT. We observed an increased abundance of Blautia and Prevotella in PD patients after FMT, while the abundance of Bacteroidetes decreased dramatically. After FMT, the H-Y grade, UPDRS, and NMSS of PD patients decreased significantly. Through the lactulose H2 breath test, the intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in PD patients returned to normal. The PAC-QOL score and Wexner constipation score in after-FMT patients decreased significantly. Our study profiles specific characteristics and microbial dysbiosis in the gut of PD patients. FMT might be a therapeutic potential for reconstructing the gut microbiota of PD patients and improving their motor and non-motor symptoms.


2015 ◽  
Vol 86 (11) ◽  
pp. e4.86-e4
Author(s):  
Hannah Goddard ◽  
Angus Macleod ◽  
Carl Counsell

BackgroundIdiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, disabling, neurodegenerative disorder. The overall co-morbidity burden associated with PD is unclear, but may be important to adjust for when predicting prognosis or comparing cases and controls.Aims ▸ To determine how best to assess overall co-morbidity in PD▸ To compare PD co-morbidity burden to that of age- and sex-matched controlsMethodsData from an incident, community-based cohort of 205 patients with PD and 148 age-, sex- and GP-matched controls (the PINE study) were used. The intra- and inter-rater reliability and mortality predictive ability of three co-morbidity scales (the Charlson Co-Morbidity Index, the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale and a disease count) were evaluated. The co-morbidity burden of cases and controls was compared at baseline and over 5 years of follow-up.Results and conclusionsThe Charlson Co-Morbidity Index was more reliable for use in PD and was the only scale that was independently predictive of mortality (hazard ratio=1.20, [95% CI 1.07–1.34]). There was no significant difference between cases and controls at baseline (p=0.20). Charlson Co-Morbidity Index scores increased over time. This increase was greater in patients with PD than controls and greater in patients and controls who died earlier.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Meloni ◽  
Francesca Lea Saibene ◽  
Sonia Di Tella ◽  
Monica Di Cesare ◽  
Francesca Borgnis ◽  
...  

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor (resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability, and gait disturbances) and nonmotor symptoms (cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and autonomic problems). In recent years, several studies demonstrated that neurorehabilitation therapy is an effective treatment in addition to pharmacological personalized interventions in persons with PD (PwPD). The main aim of this study was to explore the short-term changes in functional, cognitive, and geriatric domains after a multidimensional rehabilitation program in PwPD (as primary condition) in mild–moderate (M-Ms) to severe (Ss) stages. Our second aim was to compare the effects of multidimensional rehabilitation in M-Ms versus Ss of PD. Twenty-four PwPD in M-Ms to Ss [age (mean ± SD) = 76.25 ± 9.42 years; male/female = 10/14; Hoehn and Yahr (median; IQR) = 4.00; 1.75] were included in a retrospective, observational study. Motor, cognitive, functional, and neuropsychiatric aspects were collected in admission (T0) and in discharge (T1). PwPD were involved in a person-tailored (to individual's needs), inpatient, intensive (5–7 days per week), multidisciplinary (combining cognitive, physical, occupational, and speech therapies), comprehensive, and rehabilitative program. According to Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III cutoff, PwPD were classified in M-Ms or Ss (M-Ms ≤59; Ss &gt;59); 87.50% of our sample reported significant reduction of functional disability at Barthel Index (p &lt; 0.001). A significant improvement in Token test (p = 0.021), semantic fluency (p = 0.036), Rey's Figure-Copy (p &lt; 0.001), and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (p = 0.004) was observed. The pain intensity perception (p &lt; 0.001) and the risk of developing pressure ulcers (p &lt; 0.001) as assessed, respectively, by the Numeric Rating Scale and by the Norton Scale were improved. With regard to the second aim, in M-Ms group, we found a positive correlation between the number of neuromotor sessions and the change in functional disability and language comprehension; in the Ss group, on the other hand, despite a higher number of hospitalization days, the total number of completed sessions was positively associated with the change in visuoconstructional abilities. Our findings suggest that an intensive, inpatient, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation program may improve functional abilities, some strategic cognitive functions, and geriatric aspects in PwPD with mild–moderate motor impairment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-314
Author(s):  
Khalid Mahmood ◽  
Omair Afzal Ali ◽  
Adeeb-ul- Hassan ◽  
Imran Ali

Background & Objective:  Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common Neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. There are several surgical procedures for advanced PD, but amongst all deep brain stimulation has proven to be safest and effective. The objective of this study was to see the outcome of DBS for the treatment of PD in terms of improvement in MDS UPDRS over 5 years. Material and Methods:  44 patients were included in study from Oct 2014 to Sep 2019. History, examination was carried out, and preoperative MDS-UPDRS (Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale) was recorded. Postoperative improvement in MDS-UPDRS score was assessed at first Programming, 2nd week, and 6th week and at 3rd month. Results:  At baseline the mean, the MDS – UPDRS (Part-I) score was 14.20 ± 0.61 and at the end of 3rd month, the mean score was 11.18 ± 0.47 respectively. At baseline the mean, the MDS – UPDRS (part-II) score was 18.99 ± 0.70 and at the end of 3rd month, the mean score was 13.01 ± 0.57, respectively. At baseline the mean, the MDS – UPDRS (part-III) score was 45.19 ± 0.90 and at the end of 3rd month, the mean score was 25.15 ± 1.20 respectively. At baseline the mean, the MDS – UPDRS (part-IV) score was 10.18 ± 0.87 and at the end of 3rd month, the mean score was 3.85 ± 1.03, respectively.  Conclusion:  The Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is safe and effective in the management of PD.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin P. Nguyen ◽  
Vyom Raval ◽  
Alex Treacher ◽  
Cooper Mellema ◽  
Frank Yu ◽  
...  

AbstractParkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by the loss of ability to control voluntary movements. Predictive biomarkers of progression in Parkinson’s Disease are urgently needed to expedite the development of neuroprotective treatments and facilitate discussions about disease prognosis between clinicians and patients. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) shows promise in predicting progression, with derived measures, including regional homogeneity (ReHo) and fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (fALFF), having been previously been associated with current disease severity. In this work, ReHo and fALFF features from 82 Parkinson’s Disease subjects are used to train machine learning predictors of baseline clinical severity and progression at 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years follow-up as measured by the Movement Disorder Society Unified Depression Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) score. This is the first time that rs-fMRI and machine learning have been combined to predict future disease progression. The machine learning models explain up to 30.4% (R2 = 0.304) of the variance in baseline MDS-UPDRS scores, 55.8% (R2 = 0.558) of the variance in year 1 scores, and 47.1% (R2 = 0.471) of the variance in year 2 scores with high statistical significance (p < 0.0001). For distinguishing high- and low-progression individuals (MDS-UPDRS score above or below the median), the models achieve positive predictive values of up to 71% and negative predictive values of up to 84%. The models learn patterns of ReHo and fALFF measures that predict better and worse prognoses. Higher ReHo and fALFF in regions of the default motor network predicted lower current severity and lower future progression. The rs-fMRI features in the temporal lobe, limbic system, and motor cortex were also identified as predictors. These results present a potential neuroimaging biomarker that accurately predicts progression, which may be useful as a clinical decision-making tool and in future trials of neuroprotective treatments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Fidel Baizabal-Carvallo ◽  
Marlene Alonso-Juarez ◽  
Robert Fekete

Parkinson's disease is neurodegenerative disorder with an initial robust response to levodopa. As the disease progresses, patients frequently develop dyskinesia and motor fluctuations, which are sometimes resistant to pharmacological therapy. In recent years, abnormalities in gut microbiota have been identified in these patients with a possible role in motor manifestations. Dysbiosis may reduce levodopa absorption leading to delayed “On” or “no-On” states. Among 84 consecutive patients with PD, we selected 14 with levodopa-induced dyskinesia and motor fluctuations with a Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part IV ≥ 8 points following a trial of pharmacological adjustment 2–3 months prior to study enrollment or adjustments in deep brain stimulation therapy. Patients received treatment with sodium phosphate enema followed by oral rifaximin and polyethylene glycol for 7 and 10 days, respectively. Evaluations between 14 to 21 days after starting treatment showed improvement in MDS-UPDRS-IV (P = 0.001), including duration (P = 0.001) and severity of dyskinesia (P = 0.003); duration of medication “Off”-state (P = 0.004); functional impact of motor fluctuations (P = 0.047) and complexity of motor fluctuations (P = 0.031); no statistical improvement was observed in “Off” dystonia (P = 0.109) and total motor scores (P = 0.430). Marked to moderate improvement in dyskinesia was observed in 57% of cases with blinded evaluation of videos. About 80% of patients perceived moderate to robust improvement at follow-up. A therapeutic strategy aimed at decontamination of intestines showed benefit in motor fluctuations and dyskinesia. Further studies should confirm and clarify the mechanism of improvement observed in these patients.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S396-S396
Author(s):  
N. Sáez-Francàs ◽  
N. Ramirez ◽  
J. Alegre-Martin ◽  
O. De Fabregues ◽  
J. Alvarez-Sabin ◽  
...  

IntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with a wide range of motor symptoms, cognitive deficits and behavioral disorders. Apathy and impulse control disorders (ICDs) are common in these patients and have been considered opposite ends of a reward and motivation disorders continuum.AimTo evaluate the association and impact of ICDs presence on apathy symptoms in PDs patients, considering the influence of other psychopathological symptoms on this association.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional, observational study in which 115 consecutive medicated PD patients without dementia (mean age 61.22 ± 13.5 years; 63.5% men) were recruited. All the patients underwent a psychiatric and neurologic evaluation. Motor dysfunction was assessed with the Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), ICDs were evaluated with the Minnesota Impulse Control Disorders Inventory (MIDI) and apathy with the Lille Apathy Scale (LARS). The Hamilton Depression scale (HAM-D). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS) were also administrated.ResultsTwenty-seven (23.5%) patients showed an ICD. Patients with an ICD scored higher in apathy (P = 0.012), trait anxiety (P = 0.003) and impulsivity (P = 0.008). There were no differences in depressive symptoms. In the linear regression analysis, TCI was associated with more severe apathy (b = 4.20, t = 2.15, P = 0.034).ConclusionsICDs and apathy are frequent in PD. Although ICDs have been related with a hyperdopaminergic state and apathy with low dopamine levels, the observed frequent association suggests common etiopathological mechanisms.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107385842110119
Author(s):  
Ayan Hussein ◽  
Christopher A. Guevara ◽  
Pamela Del Valle ◽  
Swati Gupta ◽  
Deanna L. Benson ◽  
...  

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that has been recognized for over 200 years by its clinically dominant motor system impairment. There are prominent non-motor symptoms as well, and among these, psychiatric symptoms of depression and anxiety and cognitive impairment are common and can appear earlier than motor symptoms. Although the neurobiology underlying these particular PD-associated non-motor symptoms is not completely understood, the identification of PARK genes that contribute to hereditary and sporadic PD has enabled genetic models in animals that, in turn, have fostered ever deepening analyses of cells, synapses, circuits, and behaviors relevant to non-motor psychiatric and cognitive symptoms of human PD. Moreover, while it has long been recognized that inflammation is a prominent component of PD, recent studies demonstrate that brain-immune signaling crosstalk has significant modulatory effects on brain cell and synaptic function in the context of psychiatric symptoms. This review provides a focused update on such progress in understanding the neurobiology of PD-related non-motor psychiatric and cognitive symptoms.


Author(s):  
Yi-Chen Cheng ◽  
Chun-Hsien Su

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, which relates to not only motor symptoms, but also cognitive, autonomic, and mood impairments. The literature suggests that pharmacological or surgical treatment has a limited effect on providing relief of the symptoms and also restricting its progression. Recently, research on non-pharmacological interventions for people living with PD (pwPD) that alleviate their motor and non-motor features has shown a new aspect in treating this complex disease. Numerous studies are supporting exercise intervention as being effective in both motor and non-motor facets of PD, such as physical functioning, strength, balance, gait speed, and cognitive impairment. Via the lens of the physical profession, this paper strives to provide another perspective for PD treatment by presenting exercise modes categorized by motor and non-motor PD symptoms, along with its effects and mechanisms. Acknowledging that there is no “one size fits all” exercise prescription for such a variable and progressive disease, this review is to outline tailored physical activities as a credible approach in treating pwPD, conceivably enhancing overall physical capacity, ameliorating the symptoms, reducing the risk of falls and injuries, and, eventually, elevating the quality of life. It also provides references and practical prescription applications for the clinician.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S661-S661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ladan Ghazi Saidi

Abstract Maintaining cognitive abilities despite healthy aging, neurodegeneration or acute damage is known as cognitive reserve (Stern, 2002; Stern, et. al., 2018). There is evidence for a higher cognitive reserve in bilingual speakers (Kavé, et. al., 2008), mainly due to their improved executive functioning and attention. Thus, I hypothesized that patients with Parkinson’s disease would manifest PD related cognitive symptoms later than monolinguals as a result of better compensation. The aim of this study is to explore how bilingualism affects cognitive abilities in PD patients with cognitive deficit. QPN publicly available database was used to analyze the data on PD patients with (PD-CD) and without (PD) cognitive deficit and their demographic information including the number of spoken languages. Monolingual PD and PD-CD patients were compared to their bi- and multilingual peers on their age of on-set of their cognitive decline as well as descriptive demographic information. The results showed that PD-CD patients who speak more than one language manifest symptoms of cognitive impairment at least three years later than their monolingual peers. These results bring evidence that life-long bilingualism contributes to a stronger cognitive reserve and better compensation in case of a neurodegenerative disorder such as PD.


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