Non-motor signs in patients with Parkinson's disease at the University Hospital of Point “G”, Mali

Introduction Despite significant progress in the field of scientific research on Parkinson's disease (PD), the prevalence and pathophysiology of its non-motor signs remains less understood than the classic motor signs of bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and postural instability. Data covering this topic are rare in Africa, and almost non-existent in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, this study aims to highlight the frequency of certain non-motor signs in PD patients followed in the Department of Neurology of the University Hospital Point “G”, Bamako, Mali. Methodology This is a retrospective and descriptive study from January 2012 to November 2013. We identified records of patients with dopamine-responsive idiopathic Parkinson's disease, and quantified associated non-motor symptoms. Data were analyzed with Epi-Info 2000 version 3.5.5. Result During this period we reviewed 60 patient charts of which 68.3% were men. The average age of patients was 66.51 ranging from 25 to 94 years. Non-motor symptoms were present in 90% of cases, including sensitive disorders in 76.7%, dysautonomia in 73.3%, and psycho-behavioral disorders, including sleep disorders, in 81.7%. Conclusion At the end of this study, we observed an important place for non-motor signs in the clinical manifestation of PD patients in general.