Sexual Dysfunction in Parkinson Disease: A Multicenter Italian Cross-sectional Study on a Still Overlooked Problem

Understanding the dopaminergic pathway relative to men's sexual dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease: a narrative review with implications for future research

Parkinson's disease (PD) is often most recognized for motor symptoms but associated non-motor symptoms such as sexual dysfunction can significantly impact quality of life. This condition involves a hormonal disruption and has a predilection for male patients, yet there are no formal guidelines for screening or management of sexual health pathology in these patients. While prior publications have addressed the presence of sexual dysfunction (SD) among men with PD, there has been a paucity of work examining the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and the interplay between dopamine, prolactin (PRL), and testosterone. This review provides an overview of data extracted from the existing peer-reviewed literature regarding hormonal and sexual health changes in men with PD and the impact of dopaminergic and/or androgen replacement therapy. Furthermore, while some research suggests that PD patients are at higher risk for prolactin elevation and testosterone deficiency, heterogeneity of the data limits extrapolation. Additionally, data related to pharmacologic optimization of the HPG axis in this patient population is similarly limited. Prospective studies are needed to better characterize the hormonal pathophysiology of PD as it relates to sexual dysfunction such that men at risk can be effectively identified so as to offer interventions that may improve quality of life.

Sexual dysfunction in a sample of Egyptian patients with Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common, yet underdiagnosed problem in Parkinson Disease (PD) patients. It can negatively impact their quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcome. we tried to assess SD in a group of Egyptian PD patients.

METHODS

The study is a case-control, cross-sectional study that included 200 participants, consisting of 100 PD patients and 100 matched healthy controls. Social, demographic information, and clinical variables were collected from both groups. Sexual functions were assessed using the Arabic Female Sexual Function Index (ArFSFI), and the Arabic version of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

RESULTS

Women with PD scored worse on FSFI total score compared to controls (p < 0.001). Regarding the FSFI domains, they scored significantly lower in individual domains of desire (p < 0.001), arousal (p < 0.001), lubrication (p = 0.006), orgasm (p < 0.001), satisfaction (p < 0.001), and pain (p = 0.003), compared with controls. Men with PD scored worse on IIEF total scores compared to controls (p < 0.001). They showed significantly worse scores of erectile functions (p < 0.001), orgasmic function (p < 0.001), sexual desire (p < 0.001), intercourse satisfaction (p < 0.001), and overall satisfaction (p < 0.001). Both groups reported significant effect of SD on their QoL. There was a significant correlation between disease severity and SD.

CONCLUSION

SD is common in PD patients. It negatively impacts their QoL and partnership. Healthcare professionals should initiate conversations about SD with the patients and provide appropriate education and treatment options.

Sex Differences in the Speech of Persons With and Without Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND

Sex differences are apparent in the prevalence and the clinical presentation of Parkinson's disease (PD), but their effects on speech have been less studied.

METHOD

Speech acoustics of persons with (34 females and 34 males) and without (age- and sex-matched) PD were examined, assessing the effects of PD diagnosis and sex on ratings of dysarthria severity and acoustic measures of phonation (fundamental frequency standard deviation, smoothed cepstral peak prominence), speech rate (net syllables per second, percent pause ratio), and articulation (articulatory-acoustic vowel space, release burst precision).

RESULTS

Most measures were affected by PD (dysarthria severity, fundamental frequency standard deviation) and sex (smoothed cepstral peak prominence, net syllables per second, percent pause ratio, articulatory-acoustic vowel space), but without interactions between them. Release burst precision was differentially affected by sex in PD. Relative to those without PD, persons with PD produced fewer plosives with a single burst: females more frequently produced multiple bursts, whereas males more frequently produced no burst at all.

CONCLUSIONS

Most metrics did not indicate that speech production is differentially affected by sex in PD. Sex was, however, associated with disparate effects on release burst precision in PD, which deserves further study.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24388666.

The Impact of Motor, Non-Motor, and Social Aspects on the Sexual Health of Men Living with Parkinson's Disease

Background

Sexual health (SH) is influenced by several biological, mental, and social factors that may be negatively impacted by Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite its prevalence and relevance for quality of life, the factors that affect SH in men with PD (MwPD) are still poorly understood.

Objectives

To investigate the impact of motor, non-motor, and social aspects on the SH in MwPD.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 80 men (mean-age 53.55±10.8) in stages 1-3 of Hoehn and Yahr classification (H&Y), who reported having an active sex life in the last six months. The following data were collected for each person: 1) Demographic and clinical features; 2) global cognitive capacity (T-MoCA); 3) Non-Motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living (MDS-UPDRS, part I); 4) Motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living (MDS-UPDRS, part II); 5) Fatigue (FSS); 6) Self-esteem (RSES); 7) Sleep disorder (PDSS); 8) Couple relationship quality (DAS); 9) Depressive signals (BDI); 10) Short-term sexual health by International Index of Erectile Function (IIFE); and 11) Long-term sexual health by Sexual Quotient-Male (SQ-M).

Results

Our results showed that although several motor, non-motor, and social factors were correlated with SH, only motor disability levels in daily living predicted short-term SH and erectile dysfunction, while only depression predicted long-term SH in MwPD. Age, disease onset, and medication daily dosage were not correlated with SH.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that multidimensional factors can affect the SH of MwPD and emphasize that only a multi-professional team can offer proper care to improve SH in MwPD.

Non-Motor Symptom Management: Insights into Adherence to Treatment Guidelines in Parkinson's Disease Patients

Background

Non-motor symptoms (NMS) reduce quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, who experience three times more NMS than individuals without PD. While there are international and national NMS treatment guidelines, their implication in clinical practice remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the adherence to pharmacological NMS treatment guidelines in patients with mild to moderately severe PD.

Methods

220 PD patients with ≥1 NMS based on the Non-Motor Symptom Questionnaire and a Hoehn and Yahr stage ≤4 were randomly selected from the Swedish Parkinson registry and screened for inclusion. NMS were evaluated using the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society-Non-Motor Rating Scale (MDS-NMS), Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale 2, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Treatment was compared with Swedish national guidelines and international guidelines from the MDS Evidence-Based Medicine Committee.

Results

Among 165 included patients, the median number of NMS was 14, and in median 7 symptoms were estimated to require treatment. The most common NMS requiring treatment were pain (69%) and urinary problems (56%). Treatment of depression and constipation demonstrated the highest adherence to guidelines (79% and 77%), while dysphagia and excessive daytime sleepiness exhibited the lowest adherence (0% and 4%). On average, only 32% of NMS were treated in accordance with guidelines.

Conclusions

Adherence to pharmacological guidelines for NMS in patients with mild to severe PD was low. This study highlights the need for improved evaluation and treatment of NMS to enhance symptom management and quality of life among PD patients.

Sexual dysfunction among patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the current study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the role of PD as a potential risk factor for SD in both genders.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. All observational studies comparing the prevalence of SD in PD with the general population were included.

RESULTS

After screening 22 studies were included in our qualitative and statistical analysis. We included 13 studies that reported odds ratio (OR) and found a significant association between PD and SD (pooled OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 2.19-5.58). Five studies included only male patients and reported an OR of 3.34 (95% CI = 1.34-8.35; heterogeneity I2 = 81%, Tau2 = 0.79, p < 0.00), while seven studies included both sexes and reported an OR of 3.55 (95% CI = 1.89-6.66; heterogeneity I2 = 78%, Tau2 = 0.53, p < 0.00).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study suggests a strong association between PD and SD in both men and women. Our analysis of 22 observational studies reveals that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is significantly higher in patients with PD compared to the general population. These findings highlight the importance of addressing SD as part of the comprehensive management of patients with PD.

Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Autonomic Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease and Other Synucleinopathies

Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction are prevalent and can be very debilitating, reducing the quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies such as dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. Non-pharmacological therapies are key to effective management and are frequently used alone in patients with mild autonomic symptoms, or in combination with pharmacological therapies in patients with moderate and severe symptoms. This article focuses on non-pharmacological approaches. Our objective was to review the non-drug and non-surgical approaches to treating autonomic symptoms in patients with PD and other synucleinopathies, focusing on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary autonomic dysfunction. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatment for the management of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension, constipation, and bladder and sexual dysfunction is available. High-quality prospective trials are scarce, yet some non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., physical counter maneuvers) can be evaluated relatively quickly on an individual basis and often seem effective. The emerging variety of clinical presentations advocates for a stepwise, individualized, and non-pharmacological approach for the management of autonomic symptoms. Often, the first step is to reduce or discontinue drugs that cause or aggravate autonomic symptoms followed by lifestyle measures. While non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatments are available and, in many cases, effective to improve symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in PD and other synucleinopathies, they are often overlooked. Large randomized trials testing and comparing non-pharmacological approaches are warranted.

Sex differences in alpha-synucleinopathies: a systematic review

Background

Past research indicates a higher prevalence, incidence, and severe clinical manifestations of alpha-synucleinopathies in men, leading to a suggestion of neuroprotective properties of female sex hormones (especially estrogen). The potential pathomechanisms of any such effect on alpha-synucleinopathies, however, are far from understood. With that aim, we undertook to systematically review, and to critically assess, contemporary evidence on sex and gender differences in alpha-synucleinopathies using a bench-to-bedside approach.

Methods

In this systematic review, studies investigating sex and gender differences in alpha-synucleinopathies (Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Behavior Disorder (RBD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)) from 2012 to 2022 were identified using electronic database searches of PubMed, Embase and Ovid.

Results

One hundred sixty-two studies were included; 5 RBD, 6 MSA, 20 DLB and 131 PD studies. Overall, there is conclusive evidence to suggest sex-and gender-specific manifestation in demographics, biomarkers, genetics, clinical features, interventions, and quality of life in alpha-synucleinopathies. Only limited data exists on the effects of distinct sex hormones, with majority of studies concentrating on estrogen and its speculated neuroprotective effects.

Conclusion

Future studies disentangling the underlying sex-specific mechanisms of alpha-synucleinopathies are urgently needed in order to enable novel sex-specific therapeutics.

Sexual Dysfunctions in Females with Parkinson's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study with a Psycho-Endocrinological Perspective

Background and Objectives: Normal human sexual functioning is a complex integration of an intact neuroanatomic substrate, vascular supply, a balanced hormonal profile, and a predominance of excitatory over inhibitory psychological mechanisms. However, sexual functioning in Parkinson's disease (PD) is often overlooked in clinical practice, especially in female patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we have investigated the frequency of sexual dysfunction and the possible correlation with psycho-endocrinological factors in a sample of women with idiopathic PD. Patients were assessed using a semi-structured sexual interview, in addition to psychometric tools, including the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety and for Depression and the Coping Orientation to the Problems Experiences-New Italian Version. Specific blood tests, including testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen E2, prolactin (PRL), and vitamin D3 were also evaluated. Results: Our results reported a statistical difference in sexual intercourse frequency before and after the onset of PD (p < 0.001). The percentage of women who complained about reduced sexual desire increased after diagnosis (52.7%) compared to the period before the onset of the illness (36.8%). The endocrinological profile in females with PD revealed statistically significant differences regarding testosterone (p < 0.0006), estradiol (p < 0.00), vitamin D3 (p < 0.006), and calcium (0.002). Depression (44% characterized by perceived feelings of anger and frustration during sexual intercourse) and anxiety symptoms (29.5% reported feelings of fear and anxiety for not satisfying the partner) with abnormal coping strategies (48.14% experienced feelings of anger and intolerance) were also found to be statistically significant. This study showed a high frequency of sexual dysfunction in female patients with PD, which correlated with sexual hormone abnormalities, mood/anxiety, and coping strategies alterations. This supports the idea that there is a need to better investigate the sexual function of female patients with PD to provide them with an adequate therapeutic approach and potentially improve quality of life.

Transcranial sonography with clinical and demographic characteristics to predict cognitive impairment in PD: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease and is clinically characterized by a series of motor symptoms (MS) and nonmotor symptoms (NMS). NMS often appear before MS, while cognitive impairment mostly occurs within a few years after the diagnosis of PD. Therefore, we aimed to predict the risk factors for cognitive impairment (CI) in PD patients based on transcranial sonography, clinical symptoms, and demographic characteristics.

METHODS

Based on the occurrence time of CI, a total of 172 PD patients were divided into non-CI (N-CI, n = 48), CI at the first treatment (F-CI, n = 58), and CI at the last treatment (L-CI, n = 66) groups. Clinical data (including MS and NMS) and ultrasonic data of all patients at the first treatment and the last treatment were collected retrospectively. Independent samples t tests were used to compare continuous data, and chi-square tests were used to compare categorical data. The risk factors for CI and Parkinson's disease dementia were identified by logistic regression analysis, and an ROC curve was established to explore the diagnostic efficacy.

RESULTS

1) The age of onset, first treatment and smoking history of CI patients were significantly different from those of N-CI patients. When age of first treatment ≥61 years was considered the boundary value to diagnose CI, the sensitivity and specificity were 77.40 and 66.70%, respectively. 2) The severity of depression was significantly different between F-CI and N-CI patients at the first treatment, while the cumulative and new or aggravated memory deficit was significantly different between the L-CI and N-CI patients at the last treatment. 3) There was a significant difference in TCS grading between the first and last treatment in L-CI patients. 4) Depression, sexual dysfunction, and olfactory dysfunction in NMS were independent risk factors for CI during the last treatment. 5) The sensitivity and specificity of predicting CI in PD patients were 81.80 and 64.60%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PD patients with CI were older, and most of them had a history of smoking. Furthermore, there was good diagnostic efficiency for predicting CI in PD via TCS combined with clinical characteristics (especially NMS).

Discussing sexual health among Flemish patients with Parkinson’s disease

PURPOSE

Parkinson's disease (PD) can lead to sexual dysfunction. Yet, studies have shown that neurologists do not often discuss possible sexual health consequences with their patients. Thus, in this study, we investigated the communication on sexual health between healthcare workers and PD patients in Flanders, Belgium.

METHODS

Through an online survey, PD patients were contacted. Sexual dysfunction was measured with the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), stage of PD with the Hoehn and Yahr scale, and self-made questions on the communication between healthcare workers and PD patients.

RESULTS

In total, 100 PD patients responded, of which 23% had possible sexual dysfunction. Of these respondents, 60% had never received any information about possible sexual health consequences. More than half (58%) of the patients felt their neurologist should provide information on possible sexual health consequences, though only 14% had ever received information from their neurologist. Male respondents expressed a greater need for information than female respondents (p = .049), although no difference between both groups in receiving information was found (p = .294). In addition, low to middle educated people generally received more information than higher educated people (p = .018).. The more severe the disease is, as measured by the Hoehn and Yahr scale, the more information a patient receives (p = .012). The most frequently mentioned barriers in discussing sexual health are a lack of initiative by the neurologist (41%) and awkwardness to discuss sexuality (41%).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that PD patients expect information from neurologists on possible sexual health consequences, but seldom receive information. More attention should be given to training neurologists in discussing sexual health. Table 1 Characteristics of the sample (N = 100) N % Gender  Male 59 59  Female 41 41 Education level  Lower 4 4  Middle 42 42  Higher 54 54 Relationship status  No partner 10 10  Partner 90 90 Stage of Parkinson (Hoehn & Yahr scale)  Stage 0 3 3  Stage 1 36 36  Stage 1.5 12 12  Stage 2 9 9  Stage 2.5 6 6  Stage 3 21 21  Stage 4 9 9  Stage 5 4 4 Time since diagnosis  Less than 1 years ago 10 10  1-2 years 13 13  2-5 years 32 32  5-10 years 29 29  Longer than 20 years 13 13  10-15 years 2 2  15-20 years 1 1 Received information on sexual health consequences from…  Treating neurologist 14 14  GP 9 9  Geriater 0 0  Nurses 2 2  Psychotherapist 3 3  Sexuologist 1 1  Kinesitherapist 2 2  Other 4 4 Who do you think should provide you information on sexual health consequences  Treating neurologist 58 58  GP 43 43  Geriater 3 3  Nurses 6 6  Psychotherapist 23 23  Sexuologist 17 17  Kinesitherapist 3 3  Other 2 2 How would you like to receive information on possible sexual health consequences?  Brochure 38 38  Online (e.g. website) 38 38  Posters in waiting room 3 3  Personal conversation with healthcare worker 51 51  Other 1 1 From what moment do you think possible sexual health consequences of Parkinson's disease should be discussed?  From the moment of diagnosis 52 52  From moment patient indicates he/she experiences problems 33 33  From moment that the neurologist feels it should be discussed 9 9  Should not be discussed 6 6 Need for information on possible sexual health consequences  No need 31 31  A little need 19 19  Some need 21 21  Need 24 24  A lot of need 5 5 How often has healthcare personnel given you information on sexual health consequences  Never 60 60  Seldom 25 25  Sometimes 12 12  Regularly 3 3  At every consultation 0 0 ASEX  No possible sexual dysfunction 77 77  Possible Sexual dysfunction (score equal to or higher than 19) 23 23 How important are sexual activities for you?  Not important 20 20  Slightly important 33 33  Somewhat important 22 22  Important 18 18  Very important 7 7 I avoid sexual contact because of my disease  Agree completely 8 8  Agree 16 16  Agree somewhat 30 30  Disagree 28 28  Completely disagree 18 18 I feel unsatisfied with my sex life due to my disease  Agree completely 16 16  Agree 22 22  Agree somewhat 32 32  Disagree 20 20  Completely disagree 10 10 Mean Standard deviation Age 66.97 8.88 ASEX 16.02 4.53 Table 2 Associations of ASEX, need for information, receiving information ASEX p Need for information p Receiving information p Gender  Male 16.08 0.948 55.31 0.049 48.69 0.294  Female 16.11 44.13 43.38 Education level  Low-middle 15.83 0.068 53.26 0.356 53.41 0.018  High 16.20 48.06 41.49 Need for information and receiving information scores are mean ranks due to non-parametric tests ASEX scores are means Table 3 Correlations between variables ASEX Age Need for information Receiving information Hoehn and Yahr Importance of sex life Avoiding sex Unsatisfied with sex life ASEX -  - 0.04 0.27* 0.07  - 0.09  - 0.12  - 0.10  - 0.23* Age -  - 0.20 0.10 0.41***  - 0.28**  - 0.16 0.08 Need for information - 0.14  - 0.11 0.38***  - 0.13  - 0.46*** Receiving information - 0.22*  - 0.03  - 0.08  - 0.08 Hoehn and Yahr -  - 0.17  - 0.32**  - 0.17 Importance of sex life - 0.24*  - 0.07 Avoiding sex - 0.48*** Unsatisfied with sex life - ^*p < .05 ^**p < .01 ^***p < .001 Table 4 Regression analyses B (S.E.) Exp(B) P Pseudo R² Nagelkerke Pseudo R² Cox & Snell Need for information 0.013 0.19 0.14  Gender  - 1.23 (0.48) 0.29 0.010  Education level  - 0.62 (0.43) 0.54 0.149  Hoehn and Yahr 0.01 (0.11) 1.01 0.925  ASEX 0.10 (0.06) 1.11 0.060 Receiving information 0.047 0.14 0.11  Gender  - 0.53 (0.45) 0.59 0.232  Education level  - 0.61 (0.41) 0.54 0.137  Hoehn and Yahr 0.29 (0.14) 1.33 0.012  ASEX 0.01 (0.05) 1.01 0.788 Table 5 Barriers to discuss sexual health % (that agree with statements) I do not feel comfortable to discuss sexuality with my neurologist 33 I wait until the neurologist begins discussing it 41 My neurologist is either too young or too old 11 My neurologist is of the other gender 26 Reasons that have to do with my faith or attitude towards sexuality 12 I do not have the feeling there is a solution for these problems (with sexual health) 31 My Parkinson related symptoms overshadow my possible sexual health problems 39 It feels awkward to discuss sexual acts like masturbation or discuss buying of sexual aiding tools 41 My family/partner/friends are present during consultation 37 Reasons that have to do with my sexual orientation 11.

Sex Differences in Parkinson’s Disease: From Bench to Bedside

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease and gender differences have been described on several aspects of PD. In the present commentary, we aimed to collect and discuss the currently available evidence on gender differences in PD regarding biomarkers, genetic factors, motor and non-motor symptoms, therapeutic management (including pharmacological and surgical treatment) as well as preclinical studies. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed by searching the Pubmed and Scopus databases with the search strings “biomarkers”, “deep brain stimulation”, “female”, “gender”, “genetic”, “levodopa”, “men”, “male”, “motor symptoms”, “non-motor symptoms”, “Parkinson disease”, “sex”, “surgery”, and “women”. Results: The present review confirms the existence of differences between men and women in Parkinson Disease, pointing out new information regarding evidence from animal models, genetic factors, biomarkers, clinical features and pharmacological and surgical treatment. Conclusions: The overall goal is to acquire new informations about sex and gender differences in Parkinson Disease, in order to develop tailored intervetions.

Scales and assessments of sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a very frequent non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, patients are often reluctant to declare their sexual problems and many clinicians do not inquire about them during routine visits. The use of validated rating scales and questionnaires allows overcoming these difficulties, characterizing the nature and causes of the patient's sexual dysfunction, and helping to implement and monitor the most adequate interventions. There is a wide range of instruments available for assessing sexual dysfunction in PD, including generic and specific ones. In this chapter, we review the most used rating scales and questionnaires, with a description of its components, characteristics and psychometric attributes.

Sexual Dysfunctions in Parkinson’s Disease and Their Influence on Partnership—Data of the PRISM Study

Background: Sexual dysfunctions (SD) are common but underreported in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and have negative impacts on the quality of life (QoL) and partnership. Methods: We analyzed the data set from the PRISM study for demographics of SD and their influence on quality of life and partnership. Results: 449/861 (52.1%) PD patients reported SD, with male patients being affected more often and having a longer course of disease. The most common SD in men was erectile dysfunction (ED) (n = 152), while women’s most frequent complaints were orgasm dysfunction (n = 84) and reduced libido (n = 81). Hypersexual SDs were reported significantly more often by men. Spousal caregivers of patients reporting inability to relax and enjoy sex and reduced libido indicated a negative influence on the relationship in general. Negative effects on the sexual relationship were reported significantly more often for patients with ED, difficulties with sexual arousal, inability to relax and enjoy sex, and reduced libido. Hypersexual dysfunctions showed no effect on the relationship. Conclusion: SD is a common but underreported problem in the treatment of patients with PD. Due to the negative influence on the relationship and QoL of patients and caregivers, SD should be assessed routinely.