Micrographia and related deficits in Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and clinical features associated with micrographia in Parkinson's Disease (PD). SETTING: This study was conducted at a Movement Disorders clinic located in a Veteran Administration Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: PD subjects were included only if they satisfied UK Parkinson's Disease Society criteria for diagnosis. Subjects with history of severe tremors, dystonia, dyskinesia, strokes, peripheral neuropathy and dementia were excluded. DESIGN: This was a case–control study where PD subjects were prospectively enrolled and their demographics, Hoehn & Yahr stage, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and Mini Mental Status examination (MMSE) scores were recorded. All subjects were specifically asked for micrographia on history and the handwritings were quantitatively documented. Bradykinesia was determined by history and quantified by a finger tap, Purdue pegboard and a timed walk test. Similarly, hypophonia was determined by history and the volume of speech quantified using a decibel meter. Controls were enrolled for validation of handwriting test scores and decibel meter recordings. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of micrographia in the PD cohort and the clinical factors that correlate with micrographia. RESULTS: 68 subjects with PD were enrolled (68 men; mean age 72.3 years). Micrographia was identified in 63.2% of the cohort on verbal history and in 50% of the cohort when the handwriting test was used for ascertainment. Micrographia ascertained on history correlated significantly with disease severity (Hoehn & Yahr stage), motor impairment (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale), cognitive impairment (MMSE) and both bradykinesia and hypophonia determined by history and quantitative testing. Micrographia on handwriting test correlated with age (p=0.02), MMSE testing (p=0.04), hypophonia by history (p=0.01) and bradykinesia by quantitative testing (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Micrographia was found in nearly half of the PD cohort. Disease severity and impaired cognition were important clinical correlates. Micrographia had a significant relationship with bradykinesia and hypophonia, suggesting a possible overlap in their pathophysiology.