Quality of life in early-onset Parkinson's disease: A multivariate examination of psychosocial and demographic correlates

Bradley McDaniels; Heerak Choi; Byung Jin Kim; Ripley Fricano; Indu Subramanian

doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2025.108174

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Quality of life in early-onset Parkinson's disease: A multivariate examination of psychosocial and demographic correlates

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Quality of life in early-onset Parkinson's disease: A multivariate examination of psychosocial and demographic correlates

Bradley McDaniels, Heerak Choi, Byung Jin Kim, Ripley Fricano and Indu Subramanian

Parkinsonism & related disorders, Vol.143, p.108174

02/01/2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2025.108174

PMID: 41500130

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Abstract

Introduction: Early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) presents a unique and multifaceted challenge, but its psychosocial dimensions remain underexplored, limiting patient-centered interventions. Given that psychosocial factors may influence quality of life (QoL) more than motor symptoms, addressing these needs is essential. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 262 adults with EOPD through a national patient support organization between November 2022 and February 2023 to identify the demographic and psychosocial factors that contribute to quality of life. Results: Hierarchical regression analysis showed that demographic factors explained 15 % of the variance in QoL (R = .15), with work status (β = .30, p < .001), marital status (β = .17, p < .01), and education (β = .16, p < .05) as significant predictors. Adding psychosocial variables increased the explained variance to 62 % (ΔR = .47). Perceived stress (β = −.26, p < .001), years since diagnosis (β = −.64, p < .05), and loneliness (β = −.19, p < .001) were strong negative predictors, while meaningful work (β = .21, p < .01) and psychological capital (β = .43, p < .001) were key protective factors. Conclusions: These findings suggest that while demographic factors contribute to QoL in individuals with EOPD, psychosocial determinants have a more pronounced impact.

Early-onset Parkinsons disease

Loneliness

Meaningful work

Psychological capital

Psychosocial factors

Quality of life

Stress

Details

Title: Subtitle: Quality of life in early-onset Parkinson's disease: A multivariate examination of psychosocial and demographic correlates
Creators: Bradley McDaniels - University of North Texas
Heerak Choi - Northwestern University
Byung Jin Kim - California State University, Fresno
Ripley Fricano - University of Connecticut
Indu Subramanian - VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Parkinsonism & related disorders, Vol.143, p.108174
DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2025.108174
PMID: 41500130
NLM abbreviation: Parkinsonism Relat Disord
ISSN: 1353-8020
eISSN: 1873-5126
Language: English
Date published: 02/01/2026
Academic Unit: Counselor Education and Supervision
Record Identifier: 9985219295602771

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