Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40632194›Full record

ArticleAging clinical and experimental research2025

Development and validation of a Wechat mini app-based screening tool (eR-BFAS) for early detection of Parkinson's disease.

Yongyi Cai, Henhui Tan, Sibo Peng, Yuanxin Tian, Jianou Huang, Xiaodong Zhao, Xiaoya Gao

Abstract readValidation Study
In one paragraph

Article in Aging clinical and experimental research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Yongyi CaiThe Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, 253 Gongye Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P.R. China.
Henhui TanDepartment of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Gongye Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P.R. China.
Sibo PengDepartment of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Gongye Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P.R. China.
Yuanxin TianGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China.
Jianou HuangDepartment of Spine Surgery, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong, 528031, P.R. China. hjianou@21cn.com.
Xiaodong ZhaoDepartment of Spine Surgery, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong, 528031, P.R. China. fszxd2006@126.com.
Xiaoya GaoDepartment of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Gongye Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P.R. China. gaoxy23@126.com.

Funding

the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation 2021A1515011681the National Natural Science Foundation of China 81873776
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundParkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, requires early detection to optimize outcomes. However, existing screening tools are often complex and not widely accessible, especially for elderly individuals.

objectiveTo develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of a WeChat Mini app-based screening tool (eR-BFAS) that combines motor symptom assessment with non-motor symptom scales for sleep disorders and hyposmia, to effectively identify early-stage PD.

methodsThe eR-BFAS was developed by integrating the Baylor Functional Assessment Screen (BFAS), Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ), and Hyposmia Rating Scale (HRS). The tool was deployed via WeChat, and participants with mild motor impairments, sleep disorders, or olfactory dysfunction completed the self-assessment. The patients' final diagnoses were followed up, and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and diagnostic performance were evaluated.

resultsA total of 132 participants completed the eR-BFAS, which comprises 24 items assessing motor symptoms, sleep disorders, and olfactory dysfunction. The tool demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.875) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.927). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good structural validity (χ²/df = 1.573, RMSEA = 0.064, CFI = 0.927). The eR-BFAS achieved a predictive accuracy of 87.9% with an optimal cut-off score of 27 points, yielding sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 88.9%.

conclusionsThe eR-BFAS, integrating motor and non-motor symptom assessments, is a reliable and effective tool for screening early-stage PD. Leveraging the accessibility of WeChat, this tool has the potential to facilitate early detection and intervention in community settings.

Indexed as

Mobile ApplicationsParkinson DiseaseAgedAged, 80 and overEarly DiagnosisFemaleHumansMaleMass ScreeningMiddle AgedOlfaction DisordersReproducibility of ResultsSleep Wake DisordersSurveys and QuestionnairesBaylor functional assessment screen (BFAS) scaleHyposmia rating scale (HRS)Non-motor symptomsParkinson’s diseasesRapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder screening questionnaire (RBDSQ) scaleWeChat app

Identifiers

PMID40632194
PMCPMC12241201

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.