Correlations of apathy and depression with postural instability in Parkinson disease

Anhar Hassan, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Laura B. Zahodne, Dawn Bowers, Michael S. Okun, Hubert H. Fernandez, Chris J. Hass

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Postural instability (PI) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with depression and apathy based on UPDRS scores. We sought to examine the link using more objective PI measures. Methods Demographic, clinical, depression and apathy data were recorded for PD patients prospectively recruited from an outpatient university movement disorders clinic. PI was objectively evaluated using the standing center of pressure sway area. Results Thirty-seven PD patients participated in the study. Bivariate analysis revealed that PI was significantly correlated to both apathy (p = 0.018) and depression (p = 0.014). Hierarchical regression revealed that apathy significantly predicted PI but depression did not significantly add to the prediction. Also, depression did not significantly predict PI and the addition of apathy did not increase this prediction. Conclusion Apathy and depression are both associated with objective measures of PI, and apathy appears a stronger predictor of PI than depression. Concomitant improvement in PI may be important to consider when measuring apathy or depression interventions in PD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)162-165
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the neurological sciences
Volume338
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2014

Keywords

  • Affect
  • Gait
  • Mood
  • Parkinsonism
  • Posturography
  • Rating scales

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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