Mindfulness for Motor and Nonmotor Dysfunctions in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract EN

Background.

Motor and nonmotor symptoms negatively influence Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients’ quality of life.

Mindfulness interventions have been a recent focus in PD.

The present study explores effectiveness of a manualized group mindfulness intervention tailored for PD in improving both motor and neuropsychiatric deficits in PD.

Methods.

Fourteen PD patients completed an 8-week mindfulness intervention that included 6 sessions.

The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, PD Cognitive Rating Scale, Unified PD Rating Scale, PD Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45) were administered before and after the intervention.

Participants also completed the FFMQ-15 at each session.

Gains at postassessment and at 6-month follow-up were compared to baseline using paired t -tests and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests.

Results.

A significant increase in FFMQ-Observe subscale, a reduction in anxiety, depression, and OQ-45 symptom distress, an increase in PDCRS-Subcortical scores, and an improvement in postural instability, gait, and rigidity motor symptoms were observed at postassessment.

Gains for the PDCRS were sustained at follow-up.

Conclusion.

The mindfulness intervention tailored for PD is associated with reduced anxiety and depression and improved cognitive and motor functioning.

A randomised controlled trial using a large sample of PD patients is warranted.