The impact of nonmotor symptom burden on sexual function.

ABSTRACT

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is defined as a combination of reduction in libido, and problems with a person's ability to have sex. It is a frequent but neglected and poorly recognized nonmotor symptom (NMS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) which correlates with reduced quality of life (QoL). Hypersexuality forms another spectrum of SD and is an impulse control disorder (ICD) of behavior, which also affects the sexual desires of people with Parkinson's (PwP) and impacts their partner, family, and QoL. NMS occur in various forms and represents a range of symptoms, from cognitive dysfunction to pain and SD, and this chapter explores the relationship of comorbid NMS with SD and also how NMS, motor symptoms, and hypersexuality experienced by patients may impact sexual function in people with Parkinson's (PwP).