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Comorbid conditions associated with Parkinson's disease: a population-based study
Cynthia L Leibson1, Demetrius M Maraganore, James H Bower
1Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. leibson@mayo.edu
Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society
|September 15, 2005
Summary
Parkinson's disease (PD) patients experience a greater burden of comorbidity, particularly mental and genitourinary disorders, compared to healthy individuals. This increased morbidity and mortality are linked to recognized PD complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- The full extent of comorbidity in Parkinson's disease (PD) is not well-defined.
- Understanding comorbidity is crucial for managing PD patient care and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the comorbidity burden in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- To compare the incidence of various diagnoses in PD patients versus a matched control group.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study in Olmsted County, Minnesota, included 197 incident Parkinson's disease (PD) cases (1976-1995) and matched referents.
- Follow-up for clinical diagnoses occurred from 5 years pre-index to 15 years post-index, with equivalent censoring for both groups.
- Comorbidity was assessed using the Charlson index and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) chapter/subchapter diagnoses.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in comorbidity were observed between cases and referents before the index date.
- After the index date, PD cases showed a higher likelihood of diagnoses in 'Mental Disorders' and 'Diseases of the Genitourinary System' chapters.
- Specific increased risks were noted in various subchapters, including psychotic disorders, CNS degenerative diseases, digestive and urinary system diseases, circulatory issues, fractures, skin conditions, and pneumonia/influenza.
Conclusions:
- Parkinson's disease is associated with a significant excess of comorbidity after diagnosis.
- The observed excess morbidity and mortality align with known complications and sequelae of Parkinson's disease.
- These findings highlight the complex health challenges faced by PD patients beyond motor symptoms.