THE MODIFIED RANKIN SCALE FOR ASSESSING PARKINSON'S DISEASE

7th July 2013

 

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience [2013] Jun 26 [Epub ahead of print] (T.Simuni, S.T.Luo, K.L.Chou, H.Fernandez, B.He, S.Parashos) 

An exploratory analysis was conducted in to the use of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) as a global measure of disability in early Parkinson's Disease. For more information go to the Modified Rankin Scale The mRS assesses the level of disability caused by neurological disorders. It is scored 0-6 with lower scores reflecting less disability.

1 No symptoms                                                                                                                                                           1 - No significant disability : Able to carry out all usual activities, despite some symptoms. 
2 - Slight disability : Able to look after own affairs without assistance, but unable to carry out all previous activities. 
3 - Moderate disability : Requires some help, but able to walk unassisted. 
4 - Moderately severe disability : Unable to attend to bodily needs without assistance. Unable to walk unassisted. 
5 - Severe disability : Requires constant nursing care and attention, bedridden, incontinent. 
6 - Dead

The association of the Modified Rankin Scale was compared with Parkinson's Disease related assessments : the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), cognitive function characterized by the Symbol Digit Modalities - verbal, Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's disease - cognition (SCOPA-COG), quality of life (Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39), EuroQOL,  Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI), and Total Functional Capacity (TFC). All of the measures except SCOPA-COG had a significant association with the modified Rankin Scale thereby demonstrating its significance to Parkinson's Disease.