Profile of Nonmotor Symptoms and the Association with the Quality of Life of Parkinson's Disease Patients in Nigeria

CONTEXT: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Several nonmotor symptoms (NMS) are associated with the condition, affecting multiple body systems in addition to the nervous system. AIMS: The aim of the study is to describe the profile of NMS and the factors related to their severity as well as their association with the quality of life (QoL) among patients with PD in a Nigerian neurology clinic. METHODS: A total of 105 patients with PD and 105 healthy controls were assessed for various NMS using a validated NMS assessment scale. A validated PD-specific QoL assessment tool, the PD Questionnaire-39 was also administered to the study patients with PD. Analyses for correlation and difference were performed to determine the associated factors of NMS severity and their association with QoL. RESULTS: The most common NMS in the PD patients were in the domains of sleep/fatigue and mood/cognition. The total NMS score were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (median [interquartile range] 42 [13–72] vs. 20 [14–29], P < 0.001). There was a significantly higher score in the advanced Hoehn and Yahr stages (P < 0.001). The duration of PD had a positive correlation with the NMS scores (r(s)= 0.207, P = 0.034. The total NMS score had a strong positive correlation with the QoL (r(s)= 0.851, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PD is associated with significant NMS and worsens with the progression of the disease and the duration of illness. These NMS have a significant association with the QoL, necessitating the need for detailed and prompt evaluation and management.