How parkinsonism influences life: the patients' point of view.
To explore the experience of living with parkinsonism, a survey form was sent to the members of a patients' association; 1,256 forms were analysed. The mean age was 65.75 ± 9.29 years; 64.4% males. A family history was reported by 19.2%. Basic abilities were preserved in 75% of the responders; the ability to do indoor and outdoor activities was preserved in 42 and 28%, respectively. 70% of the responders liked to meet other people and about 50% liked discussing their condition. 80.3% of the responders lived with partner, while 7.8% did not live with family. Of the patients' partners, 38.9% took drugs, and 9.4% themselves needed assistance. Care programmes for parkinsonians should take into account the disease duration, the degree of disability, the presence of caregiver/s, and the level of caregiver burden; but it should also be appreciated that social habits, need of help, and severity of symptoms influence disability.
Unit of Neurorehabilitation and Movement Disorders, IRCCS Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Scientific Institute of Tradate, 21049, Tradate (VA), Italy.
E
E
Martignoni
Antonietta
A
Citterio
R
R
Zangaglia
L
L
Godi
C
C
Pacchetti
C
C
Fundarò
E
E
Corengia
G
G
Bono
G
G
Nappi
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D020734:Parkinsonian Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support