Objective: To evaluate the functional status and factors influencing quality of life (QoL) among patients with atypical parkinsonian disorders (APD) in Sri Lanka.
Background: Atypical parkinsonian disorders—including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), and Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS)—are characterized by rapid functional decline and complex neurological deficits. While these conditions severely impact QoL, clinical data from South Asian populations remain limited
Method: As part of the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2), this multicentre cross-sectional study (Nov 2025–Feb 2026) evaluated 62 patients meeting clinical criteria for APDs. Phenotypic mapping was performed using the MDS-PPSA questionnaire. Functional independence (a proxy for QoL) was assessed via the Barthel Index (BI), and cognitive status via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Statistical analysis utilized the Mann–Whitney U test to compare diagnostic subgroups
Results: The cohort (N=62) comprised PSP (n=36), MSA (n=15), DLB (n=7), and CBS (n=4). Median BI scores revealed significant functional impairment across subtypes: PSP (60.0; IQR 55.0–86.3), MSA (60.0; IQR 40.0–87.5), CBS (72.5; IQR 53.8–80.0), and DLB (80.0; IQR 65.0–87.5). Median MoCA scores were lowest in DLB (13.0; IQR 11.5–15.0) and PSP (18.0; IQR 10.5–22.5), compared to MSA (17.5) and CBS (23.0). Cognitive impairment was significantly associated with reduced functional independence; patients with MoCA scores <18 demonstrated significantly lower BI scores than those with higher cognitive performance (p = 0.03). PSP patients exhibited the most profound functional disability, primarily driven by early postural instability and frequent falls.
Conclusion: Functional independence and QoL in Sri Lankan APD patients are significantly compromised by motor disability and cognitive decline. The high burden of disability in PSP highlights the need for early multidisciplinary interventions targeting axial stability and cognitive support in this population.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
V. Vithudsha, A. Pathirage, P. Ruwanpathirana, B. Senananayake. Quality of Life in Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders: Preliminary Results from a Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study in Sri Lanka (GP2 Collaboration) [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2026; 41 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/quality-of-life-in-atypical-parkinsonian-disorders-preliminary-results-from-a-multicentre-cross-sectional-study-in-sri-lanka-gp2-collaboration/. Accessed October 1, 2026.« Back to 2026 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/quality-of-life-in-atypical-parkinsonian-disorders-preliminary-results-from-a-multicentre-cross-sectional-study-in-sri-lanka-gp2-collaboration/