The association between probable sarcopenia, non-motor symptoms, and fall-related outcomes in parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and probable sarcopenia (PS) frequently coexist in older adults, yet the relationship between PS, non-motor symptoms, and functional outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PS and non-motor symptoms in patients with PD and to examine how PS relates to mobility and falls. Ninety-three participants aged ≥ 65 years were evaluated (50 PD; 43 controls). PS was defined according to EWGSOP2 based on handgrip strength. Frailty, nutritional status, functional performance, gait speed, fall history, and depressive symptoms were assessed in all participants, while PD patients additionally completed the Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire and Falls Efficacy Scale. The prevalence of PS in PD was 60%. Patients with PS demonstrated higher non-motor symptom scores, poorer nutritional status, greater frailty, reduced mobility, and more frequent dysphagia and orthostatic symptoms than those without PS. In univariable analyses, age, non-motor symptom burden, and orthostatic symptoms were associated with PS. In multivariable logistic regression, the Clinical Frailty Scale (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.06–5.87) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.97) remained independently associated with PS. Probable sarcopenia is common in PD and is strongly linked to frailty, nutritional status, non-motor symptoms, and mobility limitations. Early identification of PS may help detect individuals at increased risk of functional decline and falls.