Parkinsonism & Related Disorders · Jun 22, 2026

Parkinsonian syndromes in institutionalized older adults in the French Caribbean: Clinical characteristics and one-year mortality

By Boucaud-Maitre D, Chaumont H, Dartigues JF et al.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinsonian syndromes are increasingly recognized in aging populations, but data from the Caribbean remain limited. In the French West Indies, atypical forms may be particularly prevalent, potentially linked to environmental exposures. This study assessed the prevalence, clinical features, and one-year mortality of parkinsonian syndromes in institutionalized older adults. METHODS: We analyzed two observational cohorts: KASEHPAD (n = 332 nursing home residents) and KASAF (n = 107 professional foster family residents). Parkinsonian syndromes were defined by clinical diagnosis and/or antiparkinsonian medication use. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, cognitive function (MMSE), functional dependence (ADL), physical performance (SPPB), quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI-Q). Cox model identified predictors of one-year mortality. RESULTS: Among 439 residents, 51 (11.7%; 95% CI: 8.7-14.7) presented with a parkinsonian syndrome. Compared with non-parkinsonian residents, they had greater functional dependence (ADL score: 1.6 ± 1.9 vs. 2.2 ± 2.1), more depressive symptoms, lower quality of life (EQ-5D score: 0.11 ± 0.36 vs. 0.24 ± 0.42; p = 0.035), and higher anxiety prevalence (66.7% vs. 43.3%; p = 0.002). One-year mortality did not differ (22.5% vs. 22.2%; p = 0.975), and parkinsonian status was not independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Parkinsonian syndromes are common and clinically severe in French Caribbean long-term care facilities, with substantial functional and neuropsychiatric burden, but without increased short-term mortality. Mortality may be mainly influenced by frailty, comorbidities, and functional impairment, underscoring the need for tailored care strategies. TRIAL REGISTRY: NCT04545775 and NCT04587466.

doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2026.108403PubMed 42330831Populations