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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
Do nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease differ from normal aging?
Syam Krishnan1, Gangadhara Sarma, Sankara Sarma
1Comprehensive Care Centre for Movement Disorders, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Kerala, India.
Summary
Nonmotor symptoms are more common and severe in Parkinson's disease than in normal aging, especially in women. These symptoms differ significantly between Parkinson's patients and controls in frequency, severity, and affected domains.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Nonmotor symptoms are prevalent in Parkinson's disease (PD), impacting patient quality of life.
- A direct comparison of nonmotor symptom severity and domains between PD and normal aging is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the frequency and severity of nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients versus age-matched controls.
- To investigate the influence of age and sex on nonmotor symptoms in both groups.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case-control study design.
- Inclusion of 174 Parkinson's disease patients and 128 age-matched controls.
- Utilized the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale for assessment.
Main Results:
- Nonmotor symptoms were more frequent and severe in PD patients compared to controls.
- Cardiovascular, mood/cognition, and perceptual domains were less affected in controls.
- Sex influenced PD nonmotor symptoms, while age affected controls' symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease are distinct from those in normal aging.
- Differences observed in frequency, severity, sex predilection, and domain involvement.
- Highlights unique challenges faced by Parkinson's patients regarding nonmotor symptoms.
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