Parkinson Fatigue Scale Research Articles

Loss of Libido in Parkinson's Disease

Sexual dysfunction is a frequent but neglected problem in Parkinson's disease (PD). Decreased sexual desire in PD correlates with reduced general satisfaction from life. Many variables might be related to the loss of libido in PD and they have not been carefully investigated yet. To assess the frequency of loss of libido in PD and its relation to neurological symptoms, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive performance. The response of 90 PD patients of both genders to item "loss of libido" from the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was analyzed. A structured psychiatric interview (MINI-Plus) evaluated the presence of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Clinical assessment also comprised neurological examination, which included all sections of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn-Yahr and Schwab-England Scale (SES). The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the PD Fatigue Scale (PDFS) were also performed. Frequency of loss of libido and its main predictors. The frequency of loss of libido was 65.6%, and 42.6% of men also complained of erectile dysfunction. Ageing (P = 0.012), female gender (P < 0.001), lower education (P < 0.001), and depression (P = 0.006) associated with decreased sexual desire. Higher BDI scores (P < 0.001) correlated with a greater loss of libido. Decreased interest in sex was not associated with antidepressants. Neurological features associated with higher loss of libido were predominance of motor symptoms on the left side of the body (P = 0.026), autonomic dysfunction (P = 0.012), higher UPDRS scores (P = 0.006), and lower scores on SES (P = 0.003). In men, erectile dysfunction associated with decreased interest in sex (P < 0.001). Patients with lower performance on FAB (P < 0.001) and MMSE (P = 0.002), and with higher scores on PDFS (P < 0.001) also had less interest in sex. A multiple regression analysis indicated age, gender and BDI score as the main predictors of loss of libido. Loss of libido is frequent in PD and depression may be its main predictor. However, decreased interest in sex was not associated with antidepressant therapy. Thus, loss of libido resulting from depression may be effectively treated, and physicians should be encouraged to assess these symptoms in their patients.

1.284 Daytime fatigue in idiopathic restless legs syndrome: Evaluation with Parkinson's fatigue scale

1.284 Daytime fatigue in idiopathic restless legs syndrome: Evaluation with Parkinson's fatigue scale

A comparison of fatigue measures in Parkinson's disease

Fatigue is a common problem in Parkinson's disease (PD). The Parkinson's Fatigue Scale (PFS) designed for measurement of fatigue in PD has not been validated in the US. The objective of this study was to validate the PFS by comparing it to the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Fifty PD patients and 16 controls completed PFS, FSS and semi-structured interview. FSS and PFS were strongly correlated with one another and had high internal consistency, indicating that both are reliable scales. PD patients and healthy controls differed significantly on both measures. PD patients endorsed significantly more fatigue. The PFS is a reliable, valid fatigue measure.

The Parkinson fatigue scale

Background In recent years several studies have highlighted the clinical significance of fatigue in Parkinson's disease. While we are becoming aware of its prevalence and impact on the lives of patient, little progress has been made in understanding its nature or aetiology, nor on finding ways to manage the problem clinically. One possible reason for the slow pace of progress is the lack of an appropriate instrument to measure fatigue in Parkinson's disease and related disorders. While assessment tools have been developed for assessing fatigue associated with other diseases, their use in patients with Parkinsonism can pose problems and their validity cannot be assumed. Objectives In an attempt to progress research and improve clinical management a new instrument is presented, the Parkinson Fatigue Scale. Methods This 16-item self-report instrument (the PFS-16) arose from statements by individuals with Parkinsonism experiencing fatigue. Initially tested on a sample of almost 500 patients, and subsequently on an independent sample of over 100. Results The PFS-16 scale was designed to tap a single construct encompassing the physical aspects fatigue and their impact on the patient's daily function. The scale deliberately excludes emotional and cognitive features that may occur as part of the fatigue experience but which may also occur independently in Parkinsonism. The scale has good intrinsic properties and satisfactory test-retest reliability. It shows reasonable associations with other measures of fatigue and is able to identify patients who self-report the presence of fatigue, and particularly those in whom fatigue is a problem. Cut-off scores are provided in both cases with good specificity and sensitivity. Conclusion While further evaluation is required, the scale is offered to facilitate clinical practice and future research. It is hoped that its use will enable the improved understanding and clinical management of this important problem.