Sleep disturbances in patients with Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Sleep problems, common in Parkinson's disease (PD), are the consequence of the neurodegenerative process, as well as of neurochemical changes on one side, and of drug intake on the other side. To estimate the frequency of sleep problems and its correlation with the disease, therapy and demographic factors in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The study enrolled 65 consecutive patients who fulfilled criteria for idiopathic PD. The original questionnaire was performed to obtain demographic, disease and treatment data. The patients were tested with standardized scales: unified PD rating scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn and Yahr staging scale (HY scale). Mini mental stage examination (MMSE) was performed for the evaluation of cognitive status. Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS) was applied for the assessment of sleep problems. There were 37 male and 28 female patients. Negative correlations (p < 0.01) were found between mean total PDSS and mean total UPDRS, as well as the mean scores of each part of UPDRS and HY stage. There was no difference in PDSS scores regarding gender. Analyzing each item in the PDSS scale, the lowest score was obtained for item 8 (nocturia). We did not find any difference in total PDSS scores between the patients on d-agonist and those who did not take d-agonist. Regarding amantadin, intake there were differences between groups for items concerning nocturnal motor symptoms. Patients in advanced stages of the disease and worse motility have more prominent sleep problems. Drug therapy has important impact on sleep quality in patients with PD.