Predictors of Impaired Performance-Based Daily Functions in Non-demented Patients with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects multiple areas of motor and non-motor functions and can ultimately lead to difficulties performing activities of daily living (ADLs). The ability to perform ADLs has important implications in determining independence and need for caregiving. Most studies examining ADL performance in PD patients have relied on either patient or caregiver’s self-reports, but to our knowledge, very few studies have analyzed performance-based measures where the patient’s ability to perform the activity is assessed. Furthermore, studies that have examined performance-based measures have not attempted to identify predictors of poor performance on such tasks. The current study will assess ADL functioning in non-demented patients with PD using measures of medication and financial management. PD patients’ performances will be compared to a group of demographically matched normal controls. If any differences between patients and controls are observed, we will examine whether clinical features of PD are associated with impaired execution on performance-based measures. Specifically, we will use regression analyses to determine whether motor symptom severity (as measured by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale), global cognitive functioning (as measured by the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale), or psychiatric symptoms (as measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory) are associated with PD patients’ scores on two performance-based measures: the Medicine Management Adherence Assessment (MMAA) and the financial based subscales of the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment (UPSA). We expect that cognitive function will be the best predictor of any observed performance based deficit.