Cerebrovascular disease associated with Parkinson’s disease in Moldovan cohort study: preliminary results

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is frequently associated with brain vascular lesions (BVLs). Studies suggest that the latter may influence the severity of the disease. Material and methods: BVLs on MRI were determined in 78.4% of 111 consecutive PD patients (mean age 64.87 ± 7.69 y.o.; disease duration 50.21 ± 38.61 mo.; 48 women (43.2%), 63 men (56.8%)). Results: White matter lesions were present in 73 patients (pts.) (65.77%): 61 pts. (54.95%) – deep white matter, 46 pts. (41.44%) – periventricular white matter, and 41pts. (36.94%) – both locations. Lacunes were determined in 19 pts. (17.12%), cerebral fissures deepening – 52 pts. (46.85) %), perivascular spaces dilation – 34 pts. (30.63%), ventricular system dilation – 29 pts. (26.13%). Patients with and without BVLs had similar ages (65.43 ± 7.64 vs 61.01 ± 7.64), ages at PD onset (60.95 ± 8.09 vs 56.01 ± 8.59) and disease duration (49.98 ± 36.76 vs 60.01 ± 52.31). They had insignificantly higher Beck (7.26 ± 5.62 vs 6.86 ± 4.34), PDQ3(Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire) (59.71 ± 20.38 vs 51.94 ± 27.69) and NMS(Non Motor Symptoms) (75.06 ± 45.21 vs 71.67 ± 26.35) scores; and lower MoCA(Montreal Cognitive Assessment) scores (21.92 ± 4.25 vs 22.38 ± 4.57). QRISK3 scores (19.68 ± 16.16 vs 12.90 ± 6.58) and levodopa equivalent daily dose (639.98 ± 223.05 vs 439.69 ± 404.87) were significantly higher in patients with BVLs. Conclusions: Brain vascular lesions were common in our PD patients, and were associated with higher QRISK3 scores, as well as with higher levodopa equivalent daily dose, suggesting more disease severity.