A cross sectional study to assess the knowledge, attitude and risk of Parkinson Disease among older adults

Marjorie Miraclin K *, Deekshitha S, Banumathi M, Sarthaj M and Keerthana V. Arunachalam

Lecturer, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, India.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 19(03), 364–369.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.19.3.0547
Publication history: 
Received on 15 July 2024; revised on 01 September 2024; accepted on 04 September 2024
 
Abstract: 
Parkinson`s Disease, a progressive nervous system disorder, involves the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, leading to symptoms like movement difficulties, tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance. Beyond motor symptoms, non-motor complications such as neurobehavioral issues, autonomic dysfunction, sensory problems, depression, anxiety, rapid eye movement, sleep behavior disorder and dementia are also significant aspects of the disease. Aim: The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and risk of Parkinson Disease among older adults. Methods: Non experimental research design and Purposive Sampling technique were used. Structured knowledge questionnaire and dichotomy scale for assessing attitude and risk assessment using Montreal Cognitive assessment Scale. Results: The participants were grouped into 50-55 years is (33%),55 -60 years (30%),60-65 years (24%),65-75 years (35%). Age group of 50-55 yrs has good knowledge on Parkinson disease.The age group of 50-55 years has good attitude 34.9%. 55-60 years has fair attitude 41%. Male has good attitude 50.4% than females. Male has good knowledge 53.3% than females. The mean score for risk is >4 , were participants those at risk is 25% in all age groups. Among the age group assessed by using Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale 50-55 years is 31.3 % and male is 56.3% which shows high risk for developing Parkinson Disease. Conclusion: The study concluded that tremors were found to be risk factor among the participants assessed.
 
Keywords: 
Parkinson Disease; Substantia nigra; Dopamine; Rigidity; Tremor; Bradykinesia; Postural instability; Cognitive impairments; Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale
 
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