NeuralCipher Research overview
The text below is the source article’s original abstract under a verified reuse license. cc by
IntroductionNearly four million LGBTQ+ adults aged 50 and older live in the U.S., with up to 40,000 currently living with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, little is known about PD-related symptoms in this population.MethodsFrom 2022 to 2025, we conducted a national cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ individuals living with PD (n = 254). We administered validated PD and health-related measures to examine physical, mental and social health symptoms. Bivariate and regression models examined differences in symptom burden between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ participants, as well as associations with sociodemographic characteristics and social determinants of health.ResultsThe sample included 89 LGBTQ+ and 165 non-LGBTQ+ individuals living with PD. On average, LGBTQ+ participants were 5.3 years younger than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts (mean age: 62.9 vs. 68.3). Compared with non-LGBTQ+ participants, LGBTQ+ individuals living with PD were more likely to report anxiety (53.9% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.002), moderate-to-severe motor impairments (32.2% vs. 19.4% p = 0.024), and loneliness (18.8% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.037). Regarding social determinants of health, younger age, identifying as a person of color, and experiencing healthcare discrimination were associated with higher odds of reporting moderate-to-severe PD-related symptoms.DiscussionThis study highlights potential disparities in PD-related symptoms, with LGBTQ+ individuals, persons of color, and those experiencing healthcare discrimination being more likely to report physical, mental and social health challenges. There is a need for further research on the health needs of diverse populations living with PD, including LGBTQ+ adults, as well as the development of tailored and inclusive healthcare strategies.
Scientific assessment
Research question
Assess the question within the original study’s scope.
Methods & sample
Check the source article for study design and sample details.
Key findings
An editorially approved findings summary is not yet published for this record.
Limitations
Generalizability, bias and clinical meaning require separate assessment.
Methods, samples and clinical conclusions are not inferred from bibliographic metadata.