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Symptom progression in advanced Parkinson's disease: Dyadic perspectives
Melanie A Horning1, Ju Young Shin1, Leigh Ann DiFusco1
1School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, United States of America.
Applied Nursing Research : ANR
|September 15, 2019
Summary
People with advanced Parkinson's disease experience multiple debilitating symptoms, including gait issues and falls. Managing these requires home support, as symptom changes over six months were not significant, suggesting longer study periods are needed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Qualitative Health Research
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Advanced PD is characterized by a complex and compounding array of symptoms.
- Understanding symptom experience is crucial for patient care and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the self-reported symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease.
- To explore symptom progression and new onset over a six-month period.
- To identify challenges in home safety and symptom management.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive study design.
- Involved fifteen dyads (person with PD and family caregiver).
- Two semi-structured interviews and content analysis over six months.
Main Results:
- Key symptoms reported: gait deterioration, falls, speech impairment, cognitive decline, functional decline, GI/GU changes, swallowing impairment.
- Multiple, compounding symptoms challenge home safety.
- No significant change in self-reported symptom experience over six months.
Conclusions:
- Advanced Parkinson's disease symptom management requires robust in-home support services.
- Symptom progression may manifest over longer than six-month periods.
- Longitudinal studies exceeding six months are recommended for advanced PD research.