Objective: To describe for the first time the frequency of non-motor symptoms (NMS) and comorbidities in a group of idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) patients at a movement disorders clinic in Puerto Rico and assess its correlation with PD severity and progression.

Background: PD is a neurodegenerative disease, more common in men, manifested by motor symptoms. PD-related NMS and PD unrelated comorbidities can be present. This study evaluates how NMS and comorbidities affect the severity and progression of PD in a Hispanic cohort. It also describes sex differences associated to NMS and comorbidties.

Method: Descriptive, retrospective study, using chart review of 130 subjects diagnosed with IPD seen at a movement disorders clinic for at least two years. Demographic data, motor symptoms, NMS, and comorbidities were collected. PD progression was defined as Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) increase, medication increase, or an addition of other PD medication. Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of IPD by a movement disorders neurologist, age > 18 years, followed for at least 24 months. Statistics included correlations, and associations using non-parametric analysis. A p value < 0.05 was significant.

Results: Demographics 62% men, median age 65 years. Mean time with PD was 2 years, mean H&Y 2. All presented motor symptoms. The prevalence of NMS was 87%. Men showed a positive correlation between mood/cognition and severity of PD and between PD progression and lower body mass index (BMI). Most frequent comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism and dyslipidemia. Most had 1-3 combined comorbidities. Hypothyroidism presented more in women. No correlation between PD progression or severity and presence of comorbidities, age or sex.

Conclusion: Although frequent, comorbidities did not appear to correlate with PD severity or progression. NMS were highly prevalent among PD patients as described in other studies. Sex differences were observed between NMS and severity of PD suggesting the need to further study sex differences in disease progression.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/non-motor-symptoms-and-comorbidities-in-a-cohort-of-puerto-rican-parkinsons-disease-do-they-affect-severity-and-progression/