21st April 2016 - New research

ALEXITHYMIA IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Alexithymia has been found to be highly prevalent in Parkinson's Disease to the extent that it is commonly part of it. Alexithymia is a personality trait characterised by difficulties identifying and describing feelings and a reduced tendency to think about emotions.  For more information go to :  Alexithymia

An extensive assessment of the medical databases was carried out. Ten studies reported that alexithymia prevalence was about double in Parkinson's Disease. In previous studies about 20% to 50% of people with Parkinson's Disease have alexithymia, which is about 2 to 4 times normal. Specific dimensions of alexithymia might be related to depression, anxiety, apathy and impulsivity. Two studies on neurological features reported a link between alexithymia and the stage of Parkinsons' Disease. The remaining studies found that alexithymia was independent from neurological symptoms and dopaminergic therapy. There is a strong association between alexithymia and the severity of depression, which appears to be the primary cause.

The results suggest that alexithymia is a primary characteristic of Parkinson's Disease that is often related to depression.

Reference : Parkinsonism and Related Disorders [2016] Mar 30 [Epub ahead of print] (F.Assogna, L.Cravello, M.D.Orfei, N.Cellupica, C.Caltagirone, G.Spalletta) Complete abstract For more news go to Parkinson's Disease News

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