About this Research Topic
Lately there has been a growing recognition of the importance and presence of non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). A broad spectrum of non-motor symptoms, including sleep disturbances, neuropsychiatric symptoms, pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal, bladder and sexual dysfunctions might been identified in people with PD. These symptoms may precede the motor features of PD by years; hence new researches focus on developing biomarkers for early diagnosis of PD. Moreover, it is known that non-motor symptoms tend to be more severe as the disease itself advances, being therefore associated with poor quality of life.
Sleep disturbances affect a high percentage of people with PD, with an increase in prevalence along disease progression. REM sleep behavior disorder, excessive daytime somnolence and insomnia have been frequently brought up as a complaint by both people with PD and their bed partners. Furthermore, there are strong correlations between sleep disorders and other non-motor as well as motor symptoms such as nocturia, dystonia and pain. Restless legs syndrome and sleep-related breathing disorders have also been commonly reported by people with PD.
All the aspects of autonomic function may be disturbed in people with PD. Constipation, dysphagia, drooling, early satiety are common manifestations of the gastrointestinal tract dysfunction, with significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Motor fluctuations might be influenced by poor absorption of the antiparkinsonian drugs caused by gastrointestinal dysfunctions. The role of this system in pathogenesis of PD underpins new research directions for early disease detection. Urinary and sexual symptoms are also frequently reported by people with PD.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms, especially hallucinations and psychosis were found to be one of the strongest predictors of placement in nursing homes for people with PD. Caregiver burden is also strongly related to these symptoms. Cognitive impairment can potentially occur at any disease stage and the recognition of early changes in cognition, along with novel imaging techniques, is fundamental for a better care of these patients.
The aim of this research topic is to bring new insights in the field of non-motor spectrum of PD, taking into consideration latest research regarding the prevalence, pathophysiology, genetics, biomarkers, neuroimaging and treatment of non-motor symptoms in PD.
Sleep disturbances affect a high percentage of people with PD, with an increase in prevalence along disease progression. REM sleep behavior disorder, excessive daytime somnolence and insomnia have been frequently brought up as a complaint by both people with PD and their bed partners. Furthermore, there are strong correlations between sleep disorders and other non-motor as well as motor symptoms such as nocturia, dystonia and pain. Restless legs syndrome and sleep-related breathing disorders have also been commonly reported by people with PD.
All the aspects of autonomic function may be disturbed in people with PD. Constipation, dysphagia, drooling, early satiety are common manifestations of the gastrointestinal tract dysfunction, with significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Motor fluctuations might be influenced by poor absorption of the antiparkinsonian drugs caused by gastrointestinal dysfunctions. The role of this system in pathogenesis of PD underpins new research directions for early disease detection. Urinary and sexual symptoms are also frequently reported by people with PD.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms, especially hallucinations and psychosis were found to be one of the strongest predictors of placement in nursing homes for people with PD. Caregiver burden is also strongly related to these symptoms. Cognitive impairment can potentially occur at any disease stage and the recognition of early changes in cognition, along with novel imaging techniques, is fundamental for a better care of these patients.
The aim of this research topic is to bring new insights in the field of non-motor spectrum of PD, taking into consideration latest research regarding the prevalence, pathophysiology, genetics, biomarkers, neuroimaging and treatment of non-motor symptoms in PD.
Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, sleep disturbances, neuropsychiatric symptoms, pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal, non-motor symptoms, hallucinations, psychosis
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