Journal Article
Exploring the fatigue phenomenon in individuals with Parkinson’s disease: an Italian multicenter cross-sectional study
Elisabetta Sarasso; Elisa Pelosin; Ilaria Ruotolo; Manuela Maieron; Alessandro Ferrero; Francesca Quarone; Andrea Grassi; Martina Putzolu; Andrea Gardoni; Giovanna Lagravinese; Francesca Di Biasio; Federica Agosta; Giovanni Galeoto; Giovanni Fabbrini; Laura Avanzino; Massimo Filippi; Susanna Mezzarobba
Acta Neurologica Belgica · Vol. 126, Issue 4 · pp. 1323-1333 · 2026
Abstract
Background Fatigue is a common and disabling non-motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD), significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. However, it is often underdiagnosed due to its subjective nature and the lack of a clear definition, hindering the development of effective treatments. Objectives This study aims to investigate the prevalence of fatigue and its associations with sociodemographic factors, disease severity, levodopa equivalent daily dosage (LEDD) and motor, non-motor, and cognitive symptoms in an Italian cohort of patients with PD. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was carried out in three Italian centers from January to May 2024. One hundred PD patients (H&Y ≤ 4) were assessed using validated tools: Parkinson Fatigue Scale (PFS), Fatigue Severity Scale, and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. Motor and non-motor signs and symptoms, cognitive status, and LEDD were analyzed using non-parametric tests and Spearman’s correlations. Fatigue prevalence was determined based on PFS score ≥ 3.09. Results Fatigue was present in 36% of patients, more prevalent in women and more severe in those with H&Y > 2. Fatigue correlated strongly with non-motor symptoms (MDS-UPDRS Part I; ρ > 0.6, p p p Conclusions Fatigue in PD is a multidimensional phenomenon influenced mainly by non-motor symptoms. Gender-specific differences and the association with disease progression underscore the need of comprehensive and integrated management strategies to address this challenging symptom.