Objective: To investigate the impact of motor, non-motor function, and relationship quality on sexual function in men living with PD.

Background: Among the non-motor alteration associated with Parkinson’s disease, sexual dysfunction is less discussed and, consequently, less known. Satisfactory sexual function has been associated with better quality of life even in elderlies. Therefore, it is imperative to know which motor and non-motor alterations negatively affect sexual function in order to find new approaches to improve this vital function.

Method: Thirty-three men with a confirmed diagnosis of Idiopathic PD for 6.69 years (SD 4.39); mean age of 54 years (SD=9.98), in stage 1 – 3 of disease evolution according to Hoehn and Yahr classification, without dementia, participated in the present study. After presenting the informed consent form and expressing agreement to participate in the study, participants were asked to answer, through telephone interviews, a previously established questionnaire that investigates: (1) general information; (2) socio-economic status; (3) information associated with PD; (4) mental and cognitive health; (5) motor and non-motor aspects of daily life experience assessed by sections I and II of MDS-UPDRS; (6) International Index of Erectile Function (IIFE); (7) Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). The statistical analysis tested the correlation between total scores in the IIFE and age, disease evolution, I -II MDS-UPDRS scores and DAS.

Results: There was no correlation between age, disease evolution, the severity of non-motor alterations, relationship quality, and sexual function. However, there was a statistically significant correlation between MDS-UPDRS section II and sexual function (R=-.50; p<.01). Significant correlations can be observed in multi-domains of sexual function.

Conclusion: For men living with PD, the disability level expressed by motor experiences of daily living is the main factor for the quality of sexual function. Then, interventions to improve motor function and reduce disability in daily living activities may help the men living with PD reach or keep a satisfactory sexual function.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/factors-that-negatively-impact-the-sexual-function-of-men-living-with-parkinsons-disease/