The relationship between non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease and Probable Sarcopenia

Background Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Probable Sarcopenia (PS) are common diseases for the elderly population. Previous studies mentioned the relationship between motor symptoms and sarcopenia in PD patients, but the data on PS and non-motor symptoms and sarcopenia that can be detected in PD are limited. In the present study, the purpose was to investigate the relationship between non-motor symptoms and PS and the relationship between PS. Methods The study included 93 patients who were aged ≥ 65 years, 50 patients with a diagnosis of PD. Sarcopenia evaluation was performed according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People Criteria (EWGSOP2) and all individuals were evaluated for Probable Sarcopenia (PS). Nutrition, frailty, daily living activities and depression were evaluated in all individuals. PD patients were applied the Non-Motor Symptom Questionnaire (NMSQ) and the Fall Efficiency Test. Results The PS rate in Parkinson’s Disease patients was 60%, and was higher in those with high Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), UPDRS I-II-III, and Hoen Yahr Stages. The PS rate was also higher in patients with high NMSQ scores, dysphagia, and orthostatic hypotension. In the logistic regression analysis regressin orthostatic hypotension (p: 0.026), SARF-C (p: 0.033), UPDRS score (p: 0.019) and CFS (p: 0.042) were determined as risk factors for PS in PD. Conclusion Patient with PD are at risk for PS. Non-motor symptoms are associated with PS. NMS and PS, which can be overlooked in PD, are findings that clinicians must be careful about. In this respect, early clinical diagnosis and early intervention might allow for the reduction of falls, fracture risk, increased independence and quality of life, and reduced mortality and morbidity.