Osteoporosis in Parkinson's disease and the role of lean body mass: a cross-sectional study in a Brazilian tertiary center.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative illness and has the highest increase rate in recent years. There is growing evidence to suggest that PD is linked to higher osteoporosis rates and risk of fractures. Objective: This study aims to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with osteoporosis as defined by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and World Health Organization in patients with mild to moderate PD. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study at a tertiary public hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil, dating from May 2021 until April 2022. The study sample was comprised of patients with mild to moderate PD who were at least 40 years old and who had the ability to walk and stand unassisted. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of both the hip (neck of the femur) and the lumbar spine were obtained via properly calibrated Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scanning. The FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) score was used to determine a person's 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture. The Revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP 2) was used as a basis to confirm a sarcopenia diagnosis with the following parameters: low muscle strength gauged by handgrip strength and low muscle quantity by DXA. Physical performance was carefully evaluated by using the Short Physical Performance Battery test. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were diagnosed following the NOF guidelines and WHO recommendations. Results: We evaluated 107 patients in total, of whom 45 (42%) were women. The group's mean age was 68 ± 9 years, and the mean disease time span was 9.9 ± 6.0 years and mean motor UPDRS was 43 ± 15. We found that 42.1% and 34.6% of the sample had osteopenia and osteoporosis following NOF criteria, respectively, and 43% and 33.6% following the WHO recommendations. Lower lean appendicular mass was associated to osteopenia and osteoporosis in multinomial logistic regression analysis in both diagnostic criteria. Conclusion: Our findings provide additional evidence for the protective role of lean mass against osteoporosis in patients with PD.

Educational disparities in Brazil may interfere with the cognitive performance of Parkinson's disease patients.

The prevalence of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is about 20% to 60%. The Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) is the most used cognitive screening test. Objective: To evaluate the influence of clinical and demographic characteristics, specifically the education level, on the MMSE score in PD patients of a northeast Brazilian sample. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 198 PD patients at a Movement Disorders outpatient clinic in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Participants were assessed by detailed clinical history, modified Hoehn and Yahr staging (HY), geriatric depression scale (GDS) and MMSE. Results: We found that 68% of patients had MMSE scores below the Brazilian thresholds, which were based in Brucki et al. study (2003). There was a statistically significant difference in the bivariate analysis between educational level and cut-off classification for MMSE. More years of formal schooling were associated with more patients scoring below threshold. We found that 75%, 68.8%, and 79.7% of individuals with more than 11, 9 to 11, and 4 to 8 years of formal schooling, respectively, were below the suggested Brazilian Brucki's threshold. GDS and age were negatively correlated with total MMSE and all its domains. There was no correlation between disease duration and MMSE. Subjects with hallucinations had lower scores. Conclusion: Most of the sample had lower performance according to Brazilian thresholds, but there was no control group and no neuropsychological test in this study. Further studies in northeast Brazil are needed to review MMSE cut-off values.

A prevalência de comprometimento cognitivo na doença de Parkinson (DP) é de cerca de 20 a 60%. O Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM) é o teste de rastreio cognitivo mais utilizado. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência de características clínicas e demográficas, especificamente a escolaridade, no escore do MEEM em pacientes com DP de uma amostra do nordeste brasileiro. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo transversal com 198 pacientes com DP em um ambulatório de Distúrbios do Movimento em Fortaleza. Os participantes foram avaliados por história clínica detalhada, estadiamento modificado de Hoehn e Yahr (HY), escala de depressão geriátrica (EDG) e MEEM. Resultados: Encontramos 68% dos pacientes com escores do MEEM abaixo dos limiares brasileiros baseados em estudo de Brucki et al. (2003). Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na análise bivariada entre a escolaridade e a classificação de corte para o MEEM. Mais anos de escolaridade foram associados a mais pacientes com pontuação abaixo do limiar. Constatamos que 75, 68,8 e 79,7% dos indivíduos com mais de 11, nove a 11 e quatro a oito anos de escolaridade, respectivamente, estavam abaixo dos limiares sugeridos pelo estudo brasileiro de Brucki et al. (2003). A EDG e a idade correlacionaram-se negativamente com o MEEM total e todos os seus domínios. Não houve correlação entre a duração da doença e o MEEM. Indivíduos com alucinações tiveram pontuações mais baixas. Conclusão: A maioria da amostra apresentou desempenho inferior aos limiares, mas não houve grupo controle e nem teste neuropsicológico neste estudo. Mais estudos no nordeste do Brasil são necessários para revisar os valores de corte do MEEM.

Higher Prevalence of Nonsense Pathogenic DMD Variants in a Single-Center Cohort from Brazil: A Genetic Profile Study That May Guide the Choice of Disease-Modifying Treatments.

Dystrophinopathies are muscle diseases caused by pathogenic variants in DMD, the largest gene described in humans, representing a spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic creatine phosphokinase elevation to severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Several therapeutic strategies are currently in use or under development, each targeting different pathogenic variants. However, little is known about the genetic profiles of northeast Brazilian patients with dystrophinopathies. We describe the spectrum of pathogenic DMD variants in a single center in northeast Brazil. This is an observational, cross-sectional study carried out through molecular-genetic analysis of male patients diagnosed with dystrophinopathies using Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) followed by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based strategies. A total of 94 male patients were evaluated. Deletions (43.6%) and duplications (10.6%) were the most recurring patterns of pathogenic variants. However, small variants were present in 47.1% of patients, most of them nonsense variants (27.6%). This is the largest South American single-center case series of dystrophinopathies to date. We found a higher frequency of treatment-amenable nonsense single-nucleotide variants than most previous studies. These findings may have implications for diagnostic strategies in less-known populations, as a higher frequency of nonsense variants may mean a higher possibility of treating patients with disease-modifying drugs.

Screening Tools for Sarcopenia in Mild to Moderate Parkinson's Disease: Assessing the Accuracy of SARC-F and Calf Circumference.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) and sarcopenia share similar pathophysiological mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: Estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in PD patients and describe clinical and demographic features associated with sarcopenia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary public hospital in Brazil. A modified HY scale of stage 1 to 3, being at least 40 years old and having the ability to stand and walk unassisted were required for eligibility. We evaluated physical performance and muscle mass using DEXA. RESULTS: The study population comprised 124 patients, of which 53 (42.7%) were women. The mean age and mean disease duration were 65.8±10.5 and 10.1±5.8 years, respectively. The mean handgrip strength of 20.4±6.9 in woman and 34.6±8.4 kg in men. Moreover, 50.8% patients had positive SARC-F, 20% patients had probable sarcopenia, 9.6% confirmed sarcopenia, and 16.8% patients showed low muscle mass quantity measured by DEXA. Lower Levodopa Equivalent Dosage (LED) and calf circumference (CC) were independently associated with confirmed sarcopenia. LLED, higher MDS-UPDRS Part III, and lower MMSE scores were independently associated with probable sarcopenia. The CC demonstrated accuracy to identify PD patients with confirmed sarcopenia with a cut-off of <31 cm in women and <34 cm in men. CONCLUSION: We found low prevalence of confirmed sarcopenia among PD patients. We propose that healthcare providers introduce measuring CC, which is a quick and inexpensive method to assess for sarcopenia in PD patients.

Muscle Quality in Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to map out currently available definitions and assessment methods of muscle quality in older adults. DESIGN: Scoping review. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: All available studies. METHODS: Four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to May 2022. Title, abstract, and full-text screening were undertaken by 2 reviewers independently. Observational and experimental studies were eligible for inclusion if there was a clear description of muscle quality assessment in individuals aged 60+ years. RESULTS: A total of 96 articles were included. Several definitions and assessment methods of muscle quality were identified and divided into 2 main domains: (1) functional domain, and (2) morphological domain. A total of 70% and 30% of the included studies assessed muscle quality in the functional and morphological domains, respectively. In the functional domain, most studies defined muscle quality as the ratio of knee extension strength by leg lean mass (45.9%). In the morphological domain, most studies defined muscle quality as the echo intensity of quadriceps femoris by ultrasound (50.0%). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: There is a substantial heterogeneity of definitions and assessment methods of muscle quality in older adults. Herein, we propose a standardized definition of muscle quality to include terminology, domain, and assessment methods (tests, tools, and body sites). Such standardization may help researchers, clinicians, and decision makers use muscle quality as a potential marker of "skeletal muscle health" in older adults.

Educational disparities in Brazil may interfere with the cognitive performance of Parkinson's disease patients / As disparidades educacionais brasileiras podem interferir na performance cognitiva de pacientes com doença de Parkinson

ABSTRACT. The prevalence of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is about 20% to 60%. The Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) is the most used cognitive screening test. Objective: To evaluate the influence of clinical and demographic characteristics, specifically the education level, on the MMSE score in PD patients of a northeast Brazilian sample. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 198 PD patients at a Movement Disorders outpatient clinic in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Participants were assessed by detailed clinical history, modified Hoehn and Yahr staging (HY), geriatric depression scale (GDS) and MMSE. Results: We found that 68% of patients had MMSE scores below the Brazilian thresholds, which were based in Brucki et al. study (2003). There was a statistically significant difference in the bivariate analysis between educational level and cut-off classification for MMSE. More years of formal schooling were associated with more patients scoring below threshold. We found that 75%, 68.8%, and 79.7% of individuals with more than 11, 9 to 11, and 4 to 8 years of formal schooling, respectively, were below the suggested Brazilian Brucki's threshold. GDS and age were negatively correlated with total MMSE and all its domains. There was no correlation between disease duration and MMSE. Subjects with hallucinations had lower scores. Conclusion: Most of the sample had lower performance according to Brazilian thresholds, but there was no control group and no neuropsychological test in this study. Further studies in northeast Brazil are needed to review MMSE cut-off values.

RESUMO. A prevalência de comprometimento cognitivo na doença de Parkinson (DP) é de cerca de 20 a 60%. O Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM) é o teste de rastreio cognitivo mais utilizado. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência de características clínicas e demográficas, especificamente a escolaridade, no escore do MEEM em pacientes com DP de uma amostra do nordeste brasileiro. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo transversal com 198 pacientes com DP em um ambulatório de Distúrbios do Movimento em Fortaleza. Os participantes foram avaliados por história clínica detalhada, estadiamento modificado de Hoehn e Yahr (HY), escala de depressão geriátrica (EDG) e MEEM. Resultados: Encontramos 68% dos pacientes com escores do MEEM abaixo dos limiares brasileiros baseados em estudo de Brucki et al. (2003). Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na análise bivariada entre a escolaridade e a classificação de corte para o MEEM. Mais anos de escolaridade foram associados a mais pacientes com pontuação abaixo do limiar. Constatamos que 75, 68,8 e 79,7% dos indivíduos com mais de 11, nove a 11 e quatro a oito anos de escolaridade, respectivamente, estavam abaixo dos limiares sugeridos pelo estudo brasileiro de Brucki et al. (2003). A EDG e a idade correlacionaram-se negativamente com o MEEM total e todos os seus domínios. Não houve correlação entre a duração da doença e o MEEM. Indivíduos com alucinações tiveram pontuações mais baixas. Conclusão: A maioria da amostra apresentou desempenho inferior aos limiares, mas não houve grupo controle e nem teste neuropsicológico neste estudo. Mais estudos no nordeste do Brasil são necessários para revisar os valores de corte do MEEM.

Associação entre a capacidade funcional, transtorno do sono e nível de atividade física em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson durante o período de pandemia de covid-19: um estudo transversal / Association between functional capacity, sleep disorder and physical activity level in individuals with Parkinson's disease during the covid-19 pandemic period: a cross-sectional study

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o nível de atividade física, considerando as condições sociodemográficas, clínicas e funcionais, de pessoas idosas com Doença de Parkinson (DP). Método Foi realizado um estudo transversal a partir dos seguintes dados: nível de atividade física (International Physical Activity Questionnaire versão curta - IPAQ curto), transtornos do sono, queixa cognitiva, tempo de doença, grau de dependência para realizar atividades básicas do dia a dia pela escala Schwab & England (S & E) de indivíduos idosos com DP atendidos em um serviço de saúde terciário, durante a pandemia da covid-19. Regressão de Poisson, teste U de Mann-Whitney e teste t de Student foram utilizados para análise estatística. Resultados A cada 10 pontos de elevação na escala de S & E, a razão de prevalência de ser ativo foi maior em 1,04 (IC 95% 1,01 - 1,08) e quem não referiu transtorno de sono teve razão de prevalência de 1,17 (IC95% 1,02-1,34) vez maior de ser ativo. Indivíduos com DP inativos eram mais velhos e tinham maior tempo de doença. Conclusão Ênfase deve ser dada a capacidade funcional e ao sono de indivíduos com DP para o manejo adequado do nível de AF em períodos de restrição social.

Abstract Objective To assess the level of exercise of older people with Parkinson's disease (PD), taking into account sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out based on the following data: level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version - short IPAQ), sleep disorders, cognitive complaints, duration of illness, degree of dependence to perform basic daily activities through Schwab & England (S&E) scale of older individuals with PD treated at a tertiary health service during the covid-19 pandemic. Poisson regression, Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t test were used for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence ratio of being active increased by 1.04 (95% CI 1.01 - 1.08) for every 10 points of elevation on the S&E scale, whereas those who did not report sleep difficulties had a prevalence ratio of 1.17 (95% CI 1.02-1.34) times greater to be active. Inactive individuals with PD were older and had longer disease duration. Conclusion Emphasis should be given to the functional capacity and sleep of individuals with PD for the adequate management of the PA level in periods of social restriction.

Telehealth for Parkinson disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: the TeleParkinson study.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine allows Parkinson disease (PD) patients to overcome physical barriers to access health care services and increases accessibility for people with mobility impairments. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility indicators of a telehealth intervention for PD patients, including patient recruitment, attendance, technical issues, satisfaction, and benefits on levels of physical activity and sleep. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, single-arm study of telehealth video consultations using WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA). Also, we collected the feasibility indicators as the primary endpoints. All the patients in the study were previously evaluated in person by the same team. RESULTS: Patient recruitment, attendance, and technical issues rates were 61.3%, 90.5%, and 13.3%, respectively, with good scores of patient acceptance and satisfaction with the study intervention. The telehealth intervention improved physical activity, including the number of walks for at least 10 continuous minutes (p = 0.009) and the number of moderate-intensity activities lasting at least 10 continuous minutes (p = 0.001). The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores also improved for one of its components: perceived sleep duration (p < 0.001) and for total Pittsburgh score (p < 0,001). The average travel time saving was 289.6 minutes, and money-saving was R$106.67 (around USD 18; almost 10% of the current minimum wage in Brazil). CONCLUSIONS: Direct-to-patient telehealth video consultations proved to be feasible and effective and had a positive impact on physical activity levels and sleep in PD patients.

ANTECEDENTES: A telemedicina permite que pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) superem barreiras físicas para acessar serviços de saúde e aumenta a acessibilidade para pessoas com mobilidade reduzida. OBJETIVO: Investigar indicadores de viabilidade de uma intervenção em telessaúde para pacientes com DP, incluindo recrutamento, atendimento, aderência, problemas técnicos, satisfação e benefícios nos níveis de atividade física e sono. MéTODOS: Foi conduzido um estudo de centro e braço únicos baseado em consultas por telessaúde com utilização do WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, EUA). Foram calculados indicadores de viabilidade como desfechos primários. RESULTADOS: As taxas de recrutamento, atendimento e problemas técnicos foram 61,3%, 90,5% e 13,3%, respectivamente, com bons escores de aceitação e satisfação com a intervenção. A intervenção melhorou os níveis de atividade física, incluindo o número de passos por pelo menos 10 minutos contínuos (p = 0,009) e o número de atividades intensas e moderadas com duração de pelo menos 10 minutos contínuos (p = 0,001). O Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh melhorou nos seguintes componentes: duração percebida do sono (p < 0,001) e escore total (p < 0,001). A média do tempo de viagem médio poupado foi de 289,6 minutos, e a economia financeira foi de R$ 106,67 reais (por volta de USD 18; quase 10% do salário mínimo atual do Brasil). CONCLUSõES: As consultas por vídeo provaram ser viáveis e efetivas, com impacto positivo nos níveis de atividade física e sono de pacientes com DP.

Telehealth for Parkinson disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: the TeleParkinson study / Telesaúde para pacientes com doença de Parkinson durante a pandemia de COVID-19: o estudo TeleParkinson

Abstract Background Telemedicine allows Parkinson disease (PD) patients to overcome physical barriers to access health care services and increases accessibility for people with mobility impairments. Objective To investigate the feasibility indicators of a telehealth intervention for PD patients, including patient recruitment, attendance, technical issues, satisfaction, and benefits on levels of physical activity and sleep. Methods We conducted a single-center, single-arm study of telehealth video consultations using WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA). Also, we collected the feasibility indicators as the primary endpoints. All the patients in the study were previously evaluated in person by the same team. Results Patient recruitment, attendance, and technical issues rates were 61.3%, 90.5%, and 13.3%, respectively, with good scores of patient acceptance and satisfaction with the study intervention. The telehealth intervention improved physical activity, including the number of walks for at least 10 continuous minutes (p = 0.009) and the number of moderate-intensity activities lasting at least 10 continuous minutes (p = 0.001). The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores also improved for one of its components: perceived sleep duration (p < 0.001) and for total Pittsburgh score (p < 0,001). The average travel time saving was 289.6 minutes, and money-saving was R$106.67 (around USD 18; almost 10% of the current minimum wage in Brazil). Conclusions Direct-to-patient telehealth video consultations proved to be feasible and effective and had a positive impact on physical activity levels and sleep in PD patients.

Resumo Antecedentes A telemedicina permite que pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) superem barreiras físicas para acessar serviços de saúde e aumenta a acessibilidade para pessoas com mobilidade reduzida. Objetivo Investigar indicadores de viabilidade de uma intervenção em telessaúde para pacientes com DP, incluindo recrutamento, atendimento, aderência, problemas técnicos, satisfação e benefícios nos níveis de atividade física e sono. Métodos Foi conduzido um estudo de centro e braço únicos baseado em consultas por telessaúde com utilização do WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, EUA). Foram calculados indicadores de viabilidade como desfechos primários. Resultados As taxas de recrutamento, atendimento e problemas técnicos foram 61,3%, 90,5% e 13,3%, respectivamente, com bons escores de aceitação e satisfação com a intervenção. A intervenção melhorou os níveis de atividade física, incluindo o número de passos por pelo menos 10 minutos contínuos (p = 0,009) e o número de atividades intensas e moderadas com duração de pelo menos 10 minutos contínuos (p = 0,001). O Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh melhorou nos seguintes componentes: duração percebida do sono (p < 0,001) e escore total (p < 0,001). A média do tempo de viagem médio poupado foi de 289,6 minutos, e a economia financeira foi de R$ 106,67 reais (por volta de USD 18; quase 10% do salário mínimo atual do Brasil). Conclusões As consultas por vídeo provaram ser viáveis e efetivas, com impacto positivo nos níveis de atividade física e sono de pacientes com DP.

Falls in Parkinson's disease: the impact of disease progression, treatment, and motor complications.

The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) tends to increase worldwide in the coming decades. Thus, the incidence of falls is likely to increase, with a relevant burden on the health care system. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical factors and drug use associated with falls in PD patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Movement Disorders outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Northeast Brazil. We performed structured interviews to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Functional capacity was assessed using the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale and the modified Hoehn and Yahr Staging Scale. We divided the study sample into non-fallers (no falls) and fallers (≥1 fall), and non-recurrent (≤1 fall) and recurrent fallers (>1 fall). Results: The study population comprised 327 PD patients (48% women), with a mean age of 70 years. The mean disease duration was 9.9±6.9 years. The most prevalent comorbidities were depression (47.2%), hypertension (44.0%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (21.5%). The logistic regression analysis revealed that hallucinations, amantadine, and catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors (entacapone) were independently associated with falls in PD patients. Also, hallucinations, dyskinesia, and the use of amantadine were independently associated with recurrent falls. Conclusions: Health care providers play an essential role in fall prevention in PD patients, particularly by identifying older adults experiencing dyskinesia and visual hallucinations. Prospective studies should investigate the use of amantadine as a risk factor for falls in PD patients.

Estima-se aumento na prevalência da doença de Parkinson (DP) em todo o mundo nas próximas décadas. Dessa forma, espera-se também aumento na incidência de quedas e seu impacto no sistema de saúde. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar fatores clínicos e medicamentos associados a quedas em pacientes com DP. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal, realizado no ambulatório de Distúrbios do Movimento de hospital terciário no Brasil. Os dados sociodemográficos e clínicos foram coletados por meio de entrevista estruturada. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada pela Escala de Atividades de Vida Diária de Schwab e England e o estadiamento por Hoehn e Yahr modificado. A amostra foi dividida em não caidores (0 quedas) e caidores (≥1 queda) e não caidores recorrentes (≤1 queda) e caidores recorrentes (>1 queda). A informação sobre o número de quedas nos últimos seis meses foi confirmada com familiares e cuidadores. Resultados: A população do estudo foi de 327 pacientes (48% mulheres), com idade média de 70 anos e duração média da doença de 9,9±6,9 anos. As comorbidades mais prevalentes foram depressão (47,2%), hipertensão (44%) e diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (21,5%). A análise de regressão logística revelou que alucinações visuais, uso de amantadina e uso de entacapona foram independentemente associadas a quedas. Alucinações visuais, discinesia e uso de amantadina foram independentemente associados a quedas recorrentes neste estudo. Conclusões: Os profissionais de saúde desempenham um papel importante na prevenção de quedas em pacientes com DP, principalmente idosos que apresentam discinesia e alucinações visuais. Estudos prospectivos da amantadina devem ser realizados para investigar sua associação com quedas em pacientes com DP.

Falls in Parkinson's disease: the impact of disease progression, treatment, and motor complications / Quedas na doença de parkinson: impacto da progressão da doença, do tratamento e das complicações motoras

ABSTRACT. The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) tends to increase worldwide in the coming decades. Thus, the incidence of falls is likely to increase, with a relevant burden on the health care system. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical factors and drug use associated with falls in PD patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Movement Disorders outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Northeast Brazil. We performed structured interviews to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Functional capacity was assessed using the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale and the modified Hoehn and Yahr Staging Scale. We divided the study sample into non-fallers (no falls) and fallers (≥1 fall), and non-recurrent (≤1 fall) and recurrent fallers (>1 fall). Results: The study population comprised 327 PD patients (48% women), with a mean age of 70 years. The mean disease duration was 9.9±6.9 years. The most prevalent comorbidities were depression (47.2%), hypertension (44.0%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (21.5%). The logistic regression analysis revealed that hallucinations, amantadine, and catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors (entacapone) were independently associated with falls in PD patients. Also, hallucinations, dyskinesia, and the use of amantadine were independently associated with recurrent falls. Conclusions: Health care providers play an essential role in fall prevention in PD patients, particularly by identifying older adults experiencing dyskinesia and visual hallucinations. Prospective studies should investigate the use of amantadine as a risk factor for falls in PD patients.

RESUMO. Estima-se aumento na prevalência da doença de Parkinson (DP) em todo o mundo nas próximas décadas. Dessa forma, espera-se também aumento na incidência de quedas e seu impacto no sistema de saúde. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar fatores clínicos e medicamentos associados a quedas em pacientes com DP. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal, realizado no ambulatório de Distúrbios do Movimento de hospital terciário no Brasil. Os dados sociodemográficos e clínicos foram coletados por meio de entrevista estruturada. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada pela Escala de Atividades de Vida Diária de Schwab e England e o estadiamento por Hoehn e Yahr modificado. A amostra foi dividida em não caidores (0 quedas) e caidores (≥1 queda) e não caidores recorrentes (≤1 queda) e caidores recorrentes (>1 queda). A informação sobre o número de quedas nos últimos seis meses foi confirmada com familiares e cuidadores. Resultados: A população do estudo foi de 327 pacientes (48% mulheres), com idade média de 70 anos e duração média da doença de 9,9±6,9 anos. As comorbidades mais prevalentes foram depressão (47,2%), hipertensão (44%) e diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (21,5%). A análise de regressão logística revelou que alucinações visuais, uso de amantadina e uso de entacapona foram independentemente associadas a quedas. Alucinações visuais, discinesia e uso de amantadina foram independentemente associados a quedas recorrentes neste estudo. Conclusões: Os profissionais de saúde desempenham um papel importante na prevenção de quedas em pacientes com DP, principalmente idosos que apresentam discinesia e alucinações visuais. Estudos prospectivos da amantadina devem ser realizados para investigar sua associação com quedas em pacientes com DP.

Feasibility indicators of telemedicine for patients with dementia in a public hospital in Northeast Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The use of telemedicine has become a fundamental tool in healthcare in recent years, especially at times of Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, there are several telemedicine tools that are simple, inexpensive, and effective means of communication. This article aims to describe indicators of feasibility including patient recruitment, attendance, discomfort (internet connection issues and/or noncompliant patient behavior), satisfaction, and travel time and cost savings of virtual telemedicine consultations for patients with dementia. METHODS: The study was conducted at the Geriatrics Department of Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio (HUWC) in Fortaleza, Brazil, between May 1st and December 31, 2020. The eligibility criteria included previous diagnosis of dementia syndrome and receiving care at the hospital's dementia outpatient clinic in face-to-face consultations in the preceding 12 months. Patients were excluded if they did not feel comfortable with virtual consultations, did not have the required communication technology available or their caregiver was not available to attend the remote consultation. The patients were recruited from the outpatient dementia clinic's medical appointment scheduling list. The intervention was designed as a one-time consultation and it included treatment approaches and health promotion recommendations. RESULTS: Patient recruitment, attendance and discomfort rates were 85.5%, 97.7% and 9.4%, respectively. To attend face-to-face visits, they reported an average travel time (including the consultation) of 233.21 minutes and average total cost of 60.61 reais (around USD 11). The study intervention was well accepted among the patients and their caregivers with 97.6% being satisfied. Many were happy to avoid long waits in crowded medical waiting rooms and the risk of covid-19 contagion. CONCLUSIONS: We found good recruitment, attendance, and acceptance rates of remote care for the follow-up of dementia patients as well as low discomfort rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Trial Registry (REBEC) RBR-9xs978.

Effects of a power strength training using elastic resistance exercises on the motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease H&Y 1-3: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (PARK-BAND Study).

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in Brazil. Physical activity is a complementary intervention in managing inherent declines associated with the disease like strength, balance, gait, and functionality and benefit health-related outcomes. Here, we report the PARK-BAND Study protocol, which aims to investigate potential benefits of power training using elastic devices in participants with PD. Our intervention will be provided in patients with PD using elastic devices like elastic bands and tubes. Therefore, we used the term Park from Parkinson's disease and band from elastic bands. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This randomised single-blind single-centre two-arm parallel, superiority trial will include 50 participants with PD attending the clinical setting. Those who meet the eligibility criteria and provide consent to participate will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to either the exercise group, which will receive power training programme or the health education group, which will receive the education programme. Randomisation will be performed by permuted block randomisation with a block size of eight. Both groups will receive a 12-week intervention. The exercise group will have two sessions per week and the health education group will have one session per week. Changes from baseline in bradykinesia, as assessed by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor examination subscore and physical functional performance, will be the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes include other neurological, neurophysiological and physical variables, as well as the quality of life, depression, cognition, sleep quality and disturbances, assessed before and after interventions. We hypothesise that the exercise group will have greater improvement in primary and secondary outcomes than the health education group. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Universitário Walter Cantidio and all participants will provide their written informed consent (register number 91075318.1.0000.5045).Trial results will be disseminated via peer reviewed journal articles and conference presentations, reports for organisations involved with PD and for participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos Registry (RBR-5w2sqt); Pre-results.

Clinical correlates of sarcopenia and falls in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a complex and multifactorial geriatric condition seen in several chronic degenerative diseases. This study aimed to screen for sarcopenia and fall risk in a sample of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and to investigate demographic and clinical factors associated. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. We evaluated 218 PD patients at the Movement Disorders Clinic in Fortaleza, Brazil, and collected clinical data including experiencing falls in the six months prior to their medical visit. Probable sarcopenia diagnosis was confirmed by using a sarcopenia screening tool (SARC-F questionnaire) and the presence of low muscle strength. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one patients (55.5%) were screened positive for sarcopenia using the SARC-F and 103 (47.4%) met the criteria for probable sarcopenia. Disease duration, modified Hoehn and Yahr stage, Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale score, levodopa equivalent dose, probable sarcopenia and positive SARC-F screening were all associated with experiencing falls. Disease duration, lower quality of life and female gender were independently associated with sarcopenia. Experiencing falls was significantly more frequent among patients screened positive in the SARC-F compared to those screened negative. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia and PD share common pathways and may affect each other's prognosis and patients' quality of life. Since sarcopenia is associated with lower quality of life and increased risk of falls, active case finding, diagnosis and proper management of sarcopenia in PD patients is essential.

Delirium in hospitalized elderly patients and post-discharge mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of delirium on post-discharge mortality in hospitalized older patients. INTRODUCTION: Delirium is frequent in hospitalized older patients and correlates with high hospital mortality. There are only a few studies about its impact on post-discharge mortality. METHODS: This is a prospective study of patients over 60 years old who were hospitalized in the Geriatric Unit at Hospital das Clínicas of São Paulo between May 2006 and March 2007. Upon admission, demographics, comorbidities, number of drugs taken, and serum albumin concentration were evaluated for each patient. Delirium was diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria. Patients were divided into group A (with delirium) and group B (without delirium). One year after discharge, the patients or their caregivers were contacted to assess days of survival. RESULTS: The sample included 199 patients, 66 (33%) of whom developed delirium (Group A). After one year, 33 (50%) group A patients had died, and 45 (33.8%) group B patients had died (p = 0.03). There was a significant statistical difference in average age (p = 0.001) and immobility (p <0.001) between groups A and B. There were no statistically significant differences between groups A and B in number of drugs taken greater than four (p = 0.62), sex (p = 0.54) and number of diagnoses greater than four (p = 0.21). According to a multivariate analysis, delirium was not an independent predictor of post-discharge mortality. The predictors of post-discharge mortality were age > or = 80 years (p = 0.029), albumin concentration < 3.5 g/dl (p = 0.001) and immobility (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Delirium is associated with higher post-discharge mortality as a dependent predictor.

Delirium in hospitalized elderly patients and post-discharge mortality

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of delirium on post-discharge mortality in hospitalized older patients. INTRODUCTION: Delirium is frequent in hospitalized older patients and correlates with high hospital mortality. There are only a few studies about its impact on post-discharge mortality. METHODS: This is a prospective study of patients over 60 years old who were hospitalized in the Geriatric Unit at Hospital das Clínicas of São Paulo between May 2006 and March 2007. Upon admission, demographics, comorbidities, number of drugs taken, and serum albumin concentration were evaluated for each patient. Delirium was diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria. Patients were divided into group A (with delirium) and group B (without delirium). One year after discharge, the patients or their caregivers were contacted to assess days of survival. RESULTS: The sample included 199 patients, 66 (33 percent) of whom developed delirium (Group A). After one year, 33 (50 percent) group A patients had died, and 45 (33.8 percent) group B patients had died (p = 0.03). There was a significant statistical difference in average age (p = 0.001) and immobility (p <0.001) between groups A and B. There were no statistically significant differences between groups A and B in number of drugs taken greater than four (p = 0.62), sex (p = 0.54) and number of diagnoses greater than four (p = 0.21). According to a multivariate analysis, delirium was not an independent predictor of post-discharge mortality. The predictors of post-discharge mortality were age > 80 years (p = 0.029), albumin concentration < 3.5 g/dl (p = 0.001) and immobility (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Delirium is associated with higher post-discharge mortality as a dependent predictor.

Fratura de quadril em idosos: tempo de abordagem cirúrgica e sua associação quanto a delirium e infecção / Hip fractures in the elderly: surgical treatment timing and its correlation with delirium and infection

As fraturas de quadril são um importante problema de saúde pública, com estimativa de 100.000 fraturas ao ano no Brasil. A média de mortalidade após um ano da fratura é de 30 por cento. A abordagem cirúrgica é o elemento-chave em seu tratamento. Esse trabalho teve por objetivo verificar se idosos com fratura de quadril abordados cirurgicamente após 48 horas da admissão apresentam maior incidência de delirium e infecção comparados aos operados antes de 48 horas. Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo observacional, sendo analisados 21 pacientes idosos num período de seis meses no Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo. Somente 4 pacientes (19 por cento) foram abordados antes de 48 horas. Delirium aconteceu no pós-operatório de 51 por cento dos pacientes. Encontrou-se 28,5 por cento dos pacientes com infecção (pneumonia, infecção do trato urinário e infecção do sitio operatório). Dentre os pacientes com infecção, cinco (83 por cento) foram operados após 48 horas da admissão e um (17 por cento) foi operado em menos de 48 horas. A principal causa de adiamento foi por problemas burocráticos. A relação entre o tempo de abordagem cirúrgica e o subseqüente impacto na mortalidade ainda é um assunto controverso. Na presente investigação a cirurgia após 48 horas esteve associada a mais complicações infecciosas e delirium.

Hip fracture is an important problem for the Public Health System. It is estimated that 100,000 fractures happen each year in Brazil. The mean mortality rate after one year of the fracture is 30 percent. Surgical management is crucial in these cases. This study was aimed at investigating if elderly patients with hip fractures treated after 48 hours of admission showed a higher incidence of delirium and infections than those operated within 48 hours. A prospective observational study was carried out in 21 elderly patients over a six-month period in Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal of Sao Paulo. Only 4 patients (19 percent) were operated within 48 hours of admission. Postoperative delirium was seen in 52 percent of the patients. Complications such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and wound infection were found in 28.5 percent of the patients. Eighty three percent of the infected patients were treated after 48 hours of admission and seventeen percent were treated within 48 hours. The main cause of surgery delay was bureaucracy. The correlation between surgical treatment timing and its impact on survival rate is still controversial. In this study, surgical treatment after 48 hours of admission was associated with a higher frequency of complications such as infections and delirium.

Fratura de quadril em idosos: tempo de abordagem cirúrgica e sua associação quanto a delirium e infecção / Hip fracture in the elderly: surgical time and its association as delirium and infection

As fraturas de quadril são um importante problema de saúde pública, com estimativa de 100.000 fraturas ao ano no Brasil. A média de mortalidade após um ano de fratura é de 30%. A abordagem cirúrgica é o elemento-chave em seu tratamento. Esse trabalho teve por objetivo verificar se idosos com fratura de quadril abordados cirurgicamente após 48 horas da admissão apresentam maior incidência de delirium e infecção comparados aos operados antes de 48 horas. Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo observacional, sendo analisados 21 pacientes idosos num período de seis meses no Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo. Somente 4 pacientes (19%) foram abordados antes de 48 horas. Delirium aconteceu no pós-operatório de 51% dos pacientes. Encontrou-se 28,5% dos pacientes com infecção (pneumonia, infecção do trato urinário e infecção do sítio operatório). Dentre os pacientes com infecção, cinco (83%) foram operados após 48 horas da admissão e um (17%) foi operado em menos de 48 horas. A principal causa de adiamento foi por problemas burocráticos. A relação entre o tempo de abordagem cirúrgica e o subseqüente impacto na mortalidade ainda é um assunto conatroverso. Na presente investigação a cirurgia após 48 horas esteve associada a mais complicações infecciosas e delirium (AU)