Objective: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of MPS and the association with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), cognitive, physical, and autonomic function in adults above 80 years of age.

Background: Mild parkinsonian signs (MPS) are characterized by bradykinesia, rigidity, changes in posture, gait and tremor in patients who have not met the criteria for Parkinson’s disease (PD) or atypical parkinsonism.

Method: Cross-sectional study of 570 community-dwelling older adults from the Good Aging in Skåne cohort. MPS were assessed using the motor part of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and defined according to three definitions. Linear regression was used to identify associations between UPDRS score and functional level. Participants with movement disorders were excluded from the analysis.

Results: The median age of the study population was 85 (min – max 79.9 – 102) years and median UPDRS score 10 (0 – 58) points. MPS were present in 69.5%-79.3% of the population, predominated by bradykinesia. UPDRS score was associated with age, ADL-dependency, lower level of physical activity, fear of falling, orthostatic intolerance, daytime tiredness, urinary incontinence, obstipation and Mini Mental State Examination score < 27 points.

Conclusion: MPS were highly prevalent, predominated by bradykinesia, and associated with an impaired functional level and non-motor symptoms common in PD. Predominance of bradykinesia might indicate a need for revision of MPS definitions in older adults.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/mild-parkinsonian-signs-in-older-adults-correlate-with-an-impaired-functional-level-a-cross-sectional-general-population-study-from-the-good-aging-in-skane-cohort/