Vascular risk factors aggravate the progression of Parkinson's disease: a five-year follow-up study in Chinese patients

Objective: Some studies have found that vascular risk factors were related to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. In order to investigate the comorbidities of the vascular risk factors with PD and their impact on PD progression, we launched a five-year follow-up study in 247 outpatients with probable PD.

Methods: The incidence of vascular risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperhomocysteinemia and carotid atherosclerotic plaque analyzed. The Hoen and Yahr score with and without vascular risk factors were compared at initial and at final evaluation.

Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that age, hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia were significant variables that are associated with the Hoen and Yahr scales. Younger patients with hypertension or hyperhomocysteinemia showed a greater increasing in the Hoen and Yahr score. There were no significant correlations among the Hoen and Yahr score with sex, initial of the Hoen and Yahr score, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia or carotid atherosclerotic plaque.

Conclusion: The vascular risk factors are common comorbidities of PD. Younger, more educated patients are more likely to have quicker dyskinesia decline. In addition, hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia may aggravate the progression of PD. The prevention and treatment of hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia are important for PD patients.