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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)

Open Access 19-04-2024 | Parkinson's Disease | Original Article

Impacts of gait freeze on quality of life in Parkinson’s disease, from the perspectives of patients and their carers

Authors: Padraig Cronin, Lucy M. Collins, Aideen M. Sullivan

Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)

Abstract

Background

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that morbidity and mortality due to Parkinson’s disease (PD) are increasing faster than for other neurodegenerative conditions. People with Parkinson’s (PwP) present with a variety of motor symptoms, such as tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Freezing of gait (FoG) is a significant motor symptom that manifests as temporary episodes of inability to move one’s feet, despite the intention to walk.

Aims

This study examined the impact of FoG on quality of life (QoL) within an Irish cohort of PwP, from the perspectives of both PwP and their carers, using validated questionnaires that had been adapted for online use.

Methods

PwP and their carers were recruited by outreach to the Irish Parkinson’s Community. Anonymous online questionnaires were distributed, which combined a demographic survey with several clinically validated surveys, including Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FoG-Q), Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire 8 (PDQ-8), and Parkinson’s Disease Carer Questionnaire (PDQ-C).

Results

There was a strong correlation (p < 0.001) between severity of FoG and lower QoL among PwP. Significant correlation was also found between FoG severity and several motor symptoms, such as postural instability and difficulty with balance, and non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive changes and pain/discomfort. FoG severity correlated with disease progression. Significant correlation was also found between FoG and symptoms, as assessed from the perspective of the patients’ carers.

Conclusions

This study shows that FoG is a significant detriment to the QoL of PwP, from the perspectives of patients and carers. This method of assessing FoG and QoL using online questionnaires has potential to enhance the reach and flexibility of this type of research. These findings will inform future studies on larger cohorts and highlight unmet clinical needs in PwP.

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Launch of WHO’s Parkinson disease technical brief. https://www.who.int/news/item/14-06-2022-launch-of-who-s-parkinson-disease-technical-brief

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Title: Impacts of gait freeze on quality of life in Parkinson’s disease, from the perspectives of patients and their carers
Authors: Padraig Cronin
Lucy M. Collins
Aideen M. Sullivan
Publication date: 19-04-2024
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Parkinson's Disease
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
Print ISSN: 0021-1265
Electronic ISSN: 1863-4362
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-024-03673-x

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