L-Dopa response to Cortical Dysfunctions, health related quality of life and Fatigue Severity in Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease

Objectives: To determine (i) levodopa (L-Dopa) responsiveness on cortical functions, health related quality of life and fatigue severity (ii) relationship between cortical functions, health related quality of life and fatigue severity post L-Dopa treatment of patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (I-PD).

Methods: Participants included 50 patients diagnosed with I-PD who were attending Civil and Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan during May 2016 to July 2017 and 50 healthy individuals (HI) took part in the study. Participants completed Cortical Function Assessment, Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire and Fatigue Severity Scale. Patients were tested twice on these measures: pre and post- L-Dopa treatment.

Results: Patients with I-PD showed cortical functioning deficits, deteriorated health related quality of life and experience of severe fatigue, in contrast with HI. There was significant improvement in cortical functioning and quality of life while reduction in fatigue severity was observed after three months of L-Dopa medication in I- PD patients. Higher cortical functioning deficits correlated with deteriorated health related quality of life and severe fatigue. Cortical functioning was a significant predictor of health related quality of life and fatigue severity.

Conclusion: L-Dopa is an effective treatment for cortical dysfunctions, health related quality of life and fatigue in I-PD. Cortical functioning is a significant marker of quality of life and fatigue in patients with I-PD.