[Time from motor symptoms onset to diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in Mexico]

Parkinson's disease is characterized by a wide spectrum of motor and non-motor symptoms with an insidious onset. Identification of these symptoms by the patient as well as by the physician is determinant in order to achieve an early diagnosis.

To determine the time from motor symptoms onset to the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and analyze the clinical and demographic factors related to it.

A cross-sectional study was carried out including subjects with Parkinson's disease seen during the 2011-2012 period and belonging to the Mexican National Parkinson's Registry. Time from symptom onset to the diagnosis was collected; its relation with demographic and clinical characteristics was assessed.

A total of 1,062 subjects were included. Delay in diagnosis was 29.5 months. Predictive factors for a longer diagnostic delay were symptoms onset before 40 years of age (B: -0.350; p < 0.001) and a positive family history of Parkinson's disease (B: 0.224; p < 0.001).

The diagnosis of Parkinson´s disease in Mexico is two and a half times greater than what has been reported for other countries.