Objective: To determine the quality of life of African American (AA) and White patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) at the Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) Movement Disorders Clinic

Background: The literature describing PD and impact on quality of life (QoL) or other non-motor features is less robust in AA compared to White patients. This study focused on motor, non-motor and other QoL measures in AA PD patients compared to Whites.

Method: Patients with PD in a tertiary clinic were approached to participate in a study examining PD in AA and White patients. After consent, demographics were collected and a battery of tests were performed, including the MDS-UPDRS Part III, NIH Toolbox measures, Patient Health Expectation Questionnaire, Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Scale (NeuroQoL), Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ39), Schwab and England, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and UPSIT smell test.

Results: 24 AA PD and 25 White PD patients participated. 47% of the participants were women, average age was 66.9 (+8.18) years old, mean MDS-UPDRS Part III score was 22.2 (+8.87), 74.5% were Hoehn and Yahr stage II (range II to IV); with no differences between groups. AA PD participants had lower scores on the NeuroQoL satisfaction with participation (p=0.03) and NeuroQoL mobility scales (p=0.01), with no difference in NeuroQoL sleep or fatigue scales. Total PDQ39 scores were significantly higher (worse) in the AA participants (p=0.01) with higher scores on the PDQ39 mobility (p=0.01), ADL (p=0.01), cognition (p=0.02), and body discomfort (p=0.04) sections. There were no differences in patient health expectations, Schwab England disability scores, Epworth or UPSIT scores.

Conclusion: Despite similar MDS-UPDRS motor, non-motor scores and overall disability; AA with PD had lower satisfaction with participation in daily activities, mobility, cognition and body discomfort compared to White PD patients. Further work is needed to determine specific interventions that can address these disparities.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/quality-of-life-in-african-american-and-white-parkinsons-disease-patients/