Managing non-motor symptoms of Parkinson disease in China: clinical perspectives.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with both motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS), the latter having a profound impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). Increased recognition of NMS underscores the need for comprehensive approaches. The study aimed to evaluate healthcare professionals' awareness and management practices of NMS in PD in China.

Methods: A nationwide online survey was conducted among 913 neurologists and psychiatrists from July to October 2023. The questionnaire comprised 65 closed-ended questions addressing basic demographics, awareness, assessment, and treatment strategies for NMS in PD. Chi-square tests were used to analyze differences between the two professional groups.

Results: While 95.4% of respondents acknowledged the negative impact of NMS on PD patients' QoL, only 71.0% of neurologists regularly focused on NMS. Approximately half of the NMS were inadequately addressed, with attention to NMS often beginning in the middle to late stages of PD. Significant gaps were identified in awareness and treatment, particularly in managing depression/anxiety, cognitive impairment, and psychotic symptoms. Movement disorder specialists demonstrated higher levels of awareness and management proficiency for NMS.

Conclusions: The study highlights critical gaps in NMS management for PD patients in China, underscoring the need for improved early recognition and appropriate intervention.