Objective: This study examined whether intervening early in PD with a comprehensive Wellness Program is feasible and promotes lasting habits that will continue to provide sustained benefit. It was hypothesized that intervening early in PD with an intensive program involving structured exercise, socialization and PD specific education would serve to maintain or improve quality of life while decreasing healthcare utilization.

Background: Previous studies have shown that PD patients are at an increased risk for a variety of complications impacting health related quality of life (HRQoL). Additionally, these various complications often lead to increased healthcare utilization. Wellness intervention in PD has shown to be effective in improving HRQoL and objective measures of disease burden such as motor functioning.

Methods: Twenty-one consenting ambulatory adult subjects diagnosed with PD within the last five years completed various screenings at baseline and following a required 6-month Wellness Program intervention. Subjects were assessed at 12 and 18 months if they continued to participate. Patient demographics, HRQoL, objective mobility, healthcare utilization and falls were assessed. Data were collected at Banner Sun Health Research Institute which is located in Sun City, Arizona. All p-values were 2-tailed and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Twenty of twenty-one subjects completed the required 6-month intervention. Continued participation was 70% at 12 months and 60% at 18 months. Overall HRQoL was stable at 18 months. Significant improvement was seen in patient reported mobility and emotion sub-areas at 12 months. Communication specific HRQoL was significantly worsened at 12 months. Subjects demonstrated a stable level of physical activity while fatigue was significantly decreased. All objective measures were significantly improved from baseline. Healthcare utilization was decreased by 18 months. A total of 5 falls were reported by 3 subjects during the 6-month interventional period.

Conclusions: Comprehensive wellness intervention in early PD is feasible, effective, safe and valuable in establishing long-term beneficial habits while potentially reducing healthcare utilization. The results also highlight the importance of addressing communication specific symptoms early. Ultimately, this study will aid the design and implementation of future PD wellness interventions.

« Back to 2017 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/study-of-an-early-wellness-program-in-parkinsons-disease-impact-on-quality-of-life-and-early-intervention-guidance/