OFF episodes impact patients both mentally and physically

OFF episodes are a component of disease symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD, including OFF episodes, may affect1*:

  • Mobility
  • Activities of daily living
  • Emotional well-being
  • Cognition
  • Ability to communicate
  • Bodily discomfort

Patients also report that OFF episodes cause them to feel stigmatized.1

Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients image

*Based on Parkinson’s Disease Questionare-39 (PDQ-39) responses among 143 patients (mean age, 67.1 years) with a mean UPDRS Part III score of 11.5 while ON and a mean duration of levodopa therapy of 7.7 years.

OFF episodes: effects on daily life

64% of patients reported experiencing 2 or more hours of daily OFF time.2†

% of Patients 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Number of OFF Periods/Day

  • 50% of patients reported each OFF period lasted >45 minutes2
  • 7% of patients reported each OFF period lasted ≥2 hours2
  • More than 92% of patients reported experiencing at least 1 OFF period a day2

†A Michael J Fox Foundation patient survey (N=~3000). Patients’ treatment regimens were unknown. Survey did not specify the patients’ levels of PD severity.

Patients’ self-ratings of disability may be higher during OFF episodes2‡

Rating while ON

Rating while OFF

% of Patients

Nearly 50% of respondents categorized their OFF episodes as moderate to severe, limiting their ability to engage in daily activities while OFF.2

‡A Michael J Fox Foundation patient survey (N=~3000). Patients’ treatment regimens were unknown. Patients were asked to rate their levels of disability on a scale of 1 (no disability/no impact) to 10 (high disability/high impact).

References

  1. Chapuis S, Ouchchane L, Metz O, Gerbaud L, Durif F. Impact of the motor complications of Parkinson’s disease on the quality of life. Mov Disord. 2005;20:224-230.
  2. Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Executive summary: survey of Parkinson’s patients and their off time experience.