A machine learning approach to predict quality of life changes in patients with Parkinson's Disease

OBJECTIVE: Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with an annual incidence of approximately 0.1%. While primarily considered a motor disorder, increasing emphasis is being placed on its non‐motor features. Both manifestations of the disease affect quality of life (QoL), which is captured in part II of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS‐II). While useful in the management of patients, it remains challenging to predict how QoL will change over time in PD. The goal of this work is to explore the feasibility of a machine learning algorithm to predict QoL changes in PD patients. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with at least 12 months of follow‐up were identified from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database (N = 630) and divided into two groups: those with and without clinically significant worsening in UPDRS‐II (n = 404 and n = 226, respectively). We developed an artificial neural network using only UPDRS‐II scores, to predict whether a patient would clinically worsen or not at 12 months from follow‐up. RESULTS: Using UPDRS‐II at baseline, at 2 months, and at 4 months, the algorithm achieved 90% specificity and 56% sensitivity. INTERPRETATION: A learning model has the potential to rule in patients who may exhibit clinically significant worsening in QoL at 12 months. These patients may require further testing and increased focus.