Epidemiology and clinical features of movement disorders in a Mexican Mestizo cohort: a 10-year tertiary-center study.

BACKGROUND

Movement disorders comprise a heterogeneous spectrum of neurological conditions characterized by impaired motor control. Limited epidemiological data exist for Latin American populations, particularly for Mexican Mestizos.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the epidemiological profile and clinical features of movement disorders in a large cohort of Mexican Mestizo patients evaluated at a public tertiary referral center in western Mexico.

METHODS

We conducted a 10-year retrospective cohort study (2012-2022) analyzing medical records from the Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, a public tertiary university hospital from the western region of Mexico. Inclusion criteria were confirmed movement disorder diagnosis and a minimum of two clinical evaluations. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Among 1,830 records (mean age 58.5 ± 17.0 years, 53.9% female, all self-identified as Mexican Mestizo), hypokinetic disorders comprised 63.9% (n = 1,170) and hyperkinetic disorders 36.1% (n = 660). Parkinsonism (63.6%, n = 1,163) and tremor (11.3%, n = 206) were the most frequent subtypes. Hypokinetic disorders were associated with older age (64.2 ± 12.8 vs. 48.5 ± 18.9 years, p < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 2.29; 1.78-2.95; p = 0.001), and smoking (OR = 1.51; 1.13-2.03; p = 0.005). Hyperkinetic disorders were associated with male sex (OR = 1.47; 1.19-1.82; p < 0.001), family history (OR = 1.92; 1.49-2.47; p < 0.001), and functional presentations (OR = 11.0; 5.53-22.14; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This is the largest reported Mexican Mestizo cohort with movement disorders evaluated in a single public tertiary center. Findings reveal distinct demographic and clinical patterns and may inform integrated cardiovascular-neurological care models, screening protocols, and resource allocation within the Mexican public health system.