Parkinson Disease and Its Impact on Quality of Life

Oghenekobiruo Wisdom Agboro; Onyekachi Jessica Amaechi; Ilerioluwa Kehinde Ajayi

Authors

Agboro OW Neurology Unit Department of Internal Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3852-972X
Amaechi OJ Neurology Unit Department of Internal Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8821-3543
Ajayi IK Neurology Unit Department of Internal Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7612-7873

Keywords:

Neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, Quality of Life, Cognition, Physical Functioning

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which significantly impacts on the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. All the components of QoL (physical functioning, psychosocial, cognitive, and environmental) can be affected by the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, side effects of treatment, and sociocultural factors.

Methodology: This study is a literature review on the quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. Excerpta Medica (EMBASE), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Public Medline (PUBMED), Health Inter-Network Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) and Google Scholar databases were searched and scholarly articles on Parkinson’s disease and QoL were reviewed for the purpose of the study.

Results: Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigrawhich result in motor and non-motor symptoms (such as cognitive function) with profound negative impact on the QoL. Also, with progression of the disease, and worsening of symptoms, an attendant decline has been observed in the QoL of patients with Parkinson's disease Family and social support is crucial in the management of the condition.

Conclusion: PD significantly impacts on the QoL of patients and should be assessed for. Recognition of challenges in the lives of patients with PD is important in their management in addition to drug therapy. Family and social support including occupational and financial support are relevant in management.

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