Dyspnea, the silent threat in Parkinson’s: a mixed methods study

TL;DR

This study explores how dyspnea affects the quality of life of early-stage Parkinson’s patients and highlights the need for better awareness and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Contribution

The study identifies dyspnea as a significant yet under-recognized issue in early-stage Parkinson’s and emphasizes the need for pulmonary rehabilitation.

Findings

All participants reported dyspnea, which negatively impacted their quality of life during daily activities.

Participants lacked knowledge about pulmonary rehabilitation and its benefits.

Dyspnea was prevalent in early-stage Parkinson’s patients (Hoehn and Yahr Stages I, II, III).

Abstract

Dyspnea is considered a silent threat to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and may be a common concern in patients, however, little is known about how it affects quality of life. This study explored the experiences of independently mobile people who are affected by dyspnea in daily life.

This was a cross-sectional mixed methods study that included an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The participants were included if they were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; had a self-reported Hoehn and Yahr Score I, II or III; were mobilizing independently; and were Arabic speakers. Participants were excluded if they had any other musculoskeletal, cardiac, respiratory, or neurological diseases; or were previous or current smokers; or had been previously hospitalized due to respiratory complications.

A total of 117 participants completed the Arabic version of the Dyspnea-12 Questionnaire. Dyspnea was reported in all participants and that it had an adverse effect on their quality of life, especially during activities of daily living. Additionally, participants reported a lack of knowledge about pulmonary rehabilitation and were unaware of the availability and potential benefits of participation in programs.

Dyspnea was reported in people in the early stages (Hoehn and Yahr Stages I, II, and III) of Parkinson’s disease, and may benefit from routine assessment of lung function, dyspnea management and participation in pulmonary rehabilitation.

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