Quality of life and sleep-related problems in patients with Parkinsonûs disease at Thammasat University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurobehavioral disorder defined clinically by its motor symptoms alone. Sleep disorders are behavioral problems that are common and under recognized. Inaddition, these problems have impact on patient well being and quality of life.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of sleep-related problems in patient with PD and its associationwith the quality of life.

Material and Method: A cross sectional study in 74 PD patients was conducted at Thammasat University Hospital.Sleep problems and quality of life were assessed by the Modified Parkinson's Disease SleepScale (MPDSS) and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8).

Results: Sleep-related problems were found in 97% of PD patients. Nocturia, sleep initiation andmaintenance problem and snoring were common. Sleep-related problems detected by MPDSShad significant correlation with PDQ-8 scores (p <0.001, r = -0.52), history of wearing off(p = 0.044, r = -0.23) and (p = 0.012, r = 0.29).

Conclusion: Sleep-related problems are frequent in PD patients and associated with the patient's quality of life.The improvement of sleep and other non-motor aspects of PD should become an importanttarget in the treatment of PD.

Key words: Quality of life, Sleep disorders, Parkinson's disease