Parkinson's research with inclusion, diversity and equity (PRIDE): examining Parkinson's disease symptoms among LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ adults.

INTRODUCTION: Nearly four million LGBTQ+ adults aged 50 and older live in the U.S., with up to 40,000 currently living with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, little is known about PD-related symptoms in this population. METHODS: From 2022 to 2025, we conducted a national cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ individuals living with PD (n = 254). We administered validated PD and health-related measures to examine physical, mental and social health symptoms. Bivariate and regression models examined differences in symptom burden between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ participants, as well as associations with sociodemographic characteristics and social determinants of health. RESULTS: The sample included 89 LGBTQ+ and 165 non-LGBTQ+ individuals living with PD. On average, LGBTQ+ participants were 5.3 years younger than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts (mean age: 62.9 vs. 68.3). Compared with non-LGBTQ+ participants, LGBTQ+ individuals living with PD were more likely to report anxiety (53.9% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.002), moderate-to-severe motor impairments (32.2% vs. 19.4% p = 0.024), and loneliness (18.8% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.037). Regarding social determinants of health, younger age, identifying as a person of color, and experiencing healthcare discrimination were associated with higher odds of reporting moderate-to-severe PD-related symptoms. DISCUSSION: This study highlights potential disparities in PD-related symptoms, with LGBTQ+ individuals, persons of color, and those experiencing healthcare discrimination being more likely to report physical, mental and social health challenges. There is a need for further research on the health needs of diverse populations living with PD, including LGBTQ+ adults, as well as the development of tailored and inclusive healthcare strategies.