Falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease from China: A Cross-sectional Study

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Background: Falling is a common and devastating problem in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. However, the factors associated with fall among Chinese PD population remain unclear. Aim The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and potential factors independently contribute to falls in patients with PD. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited one hundred and ninety-seven PD patients from West China Hospital. According to patients or their caregivers’ memory divided them into two different groups: fallers and non-fallers. Demographical information, clinical features and pharmacological conditions of patients were all collected. Results Out of 197 patients (mean age 63.2±9.0 years) 55.3% (110/197) patients had at least one fall in the half of year. Factors associated with falls in PD including: sex, age, co-disease condition, clinical symptoms, the severity of disease, doing activities, the function of balance, cognition, and the emotional conditions. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found by binary regression in Hoehn and Yahr (H-Y) stage (OR = 11.500, 95% CI = 2.801-47.214, P = 0.001), the Hamilton Depression (HAMD-24) Rating Scale (OR = 1.296, 95% CI = 1.034-1.296, P = 0.011) and the Falls Efficacy (FES) Scale (OR = 1.028, 95% CI = 1.004-1.053, P = 0.021). However, doing exercise (OR = 0.159, 95% CI = 0.046-0.555, P = 0.004) is a protective factor for PD patients. Conclusions Patients with severe disease, bad psychological condition will increase the risk of falling. Monitoring disease progress and pay more attention on non-motor symptoms are needed while patients in the mild stage.

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