Objective: To investigate sex-related motor and non-motor symptom differences in PD patients in East London.
Background: Sex-related differences in motor and non-motor aspects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been reported. However, many previous studies lack diversity and generalisability.
Method: 184 PD patients enrolled in the East London Parkinson’s disease project were included in this study. Assessments examined here were the Unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS), Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire, and REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder Screening Questionnaire.
Results: Males reported increased drooling (UPDRS 2.2 mean 1.0 vs 1.5, p=0.020), orthostatic hypotension (UPDRS 1.12 mean 1.1 vs 1.5, p=0.040), sexual problems (11% vs 43%, p<0.001), nocturia (65% vs 81%, p=0.024), daytime somnolence (14% vs 29%, p=0.029), and insomnia (48% vs 65%, p=0.034). Swollen legs were more common in females (53% vs 32%, p=0.007). No sex-differences in symptoms of RBD, pain, swallowing, or subjective hyposmia were observed. Overall motor burden on the UPDRS II was higher in male participants (mean total 5.4 vs 6.9, p=0.02), but not part III (mean total 37.4 in females vs 39.9 in males, p=0.47). Male participants showed increased speech difficulties (UPDRS 3.1 mean 0.84 vs 1.29, p=0.005) and rigidity (UPDRS 3.3 mean 6.74 vs 8.2, p=0.018). Total levodopa equivalent dose (mean 545.5mg females vs 673.7mg males, p= 0.148) and prevalence of dyskinesia (females 23% vs males 19%, p=0.52) were comparable.
Conclusion: While our data reflected some previously reported sex-differences in non-motor symptoms, many differences were absent or, sometimes, their sex-predominance was reversed. Possible reasons include lack of statistical power or differences in the sex-specific manifestation of PD in this diverse population. The dissimilarities seen in our patients demonstrate the importance of diverse recruitment to better understand sex-specific differences in PD.
Abstract content accepted for the 2023 ABN (Association of British Neurologists) & INA (Irish Neurology Association) Joint Meeting
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Z. Markovic-Obiago, E. Camboe, A. Zirra, T. Haque, K. Dey, A. Ben-Joseph, D. Gallagher, C. Budu, C. Simonet, A. Noyce. Sex differences in motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease in a diverse East London population [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2023; 38 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/sex-differences-in-motor-and-non-motor-symptoms-in-parkinsons-disease-in-a-diverse-east-london-population/. Accessed November 21, 2024.« Back to 2023 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/sex-differences-in-motor-and-non-motor-symptoms-in-parkinsons-disease-in-a-diverse-east-london-population/