Prevalence and severity of non-motor symptoms (NMS) of Parkinson's disease (PD) among patients attending a PD rehabilitation service in rural Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Background: The burden of NMS in PD is an important factor which defines the disease related Quality of Life (QoL) and Care-giver burden. Prevalence and burden of NMS varies widely among different patient groups. Objective: To identify the prevalence and severity of NMS burden in patients attending the PD Rehabilitation Service (PDRS) in Maleny, Queensland. Patients and Methods/Material andMethods: All patients (inpatients and outpatients) attending the PDRS at the Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Maleny, Queensland from February 2017-March 2017 filled out the Non Motor Symptom Questionnaire (NMSQ). Their NMS burden was calculated using the Kings ISCIII grading. Results: Based on the Kings ISCIII grading, 35% of patients had stage 3 (severe) burden, 34% had stage 2 (moderate) 24% had stage 1 (mild) burden of NMS. Conclusion: 35% of PD patients attending our PDRS in Rural Queensland had stage3 (severe) burden of NMS. Nocturia, shortterm memory loss and depressive features were the most prevalent NMS. Severity of NMS burden equates to poor QoL and Care-giver burden as shown by multiple studies. Streamlining the available resources to manage the most prevalent NMS will improve the QoL and Care-giver burden in patients with PD. (Figure Presented).L620183139 <br />