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Effects of bilateral subthalamic stimulation on cognitive function in Parkinson disease
M Alegret1, C Junqué, F Valldeoriola
1Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Hospital Clinic Universitari, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
Background:
Chronic bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is known to improve motor function in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). However, the possible effects of STN-DBS on neuropsychological functions have been studied less.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of STN-DBS on neuropsychological functions in PD.
Design:
Before-after trial.
Patients And Methods:
Fifteen consecutive patients were assessed before and 3 months after implantation of stimulators for STN-DBS (postsurgical assessment with the stimulators switched on). Both assessments were performed with patients in a drug-free condition. The neuropsychological battery consisted of tests measuring memory and visuospatial and frontal functions.
Results:
The comparison between presurgical and postsurgical performance showed a moderate deterioration in verbal memory and prefrontal and visuospatial functions, and a moderate improvement in a prefrontal task and obsessive-compulsive traits. The motor state improved in all patients.
Conclusion:
Therapy with STN-DBS improves motor symptoms in PD without any clinically relevant neuropsychological deterioration.