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Improving functional disability and cognition in Parkinson disease: randomized controlled trial
Javier Peña1, Naroa Ibarretxe-Bilbao2, Inés García-Gorostiaga1
1From the Department of Methods and Experimental Psychology (J.P., N.I.-B., M.D.-C., N.O.), Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Basque Country; and Department of Neurology (I.G.-G., M.A.G.-B.), Galdakao Hospital, Basque Country, Spain.
Cognitive training using REHACOP significantly improved processing speed, visual memory, and theory of mind in Parkinson disease (PD) patients. This integrative program also reduced functional disability, supporting its integration into standard PD care.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder impacting motor and non-motor functions, including cognition.
- Cognitive deficits in PD can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life.
- Integrative cognitive training programs offer a potential therapeutic avenue for PD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the REHACOP (REhabilitation and Cognitive training for Parkinson's) program.
- To assess improvements in cognitive functions, clinical symptoms, and functional disability in PD patients.
- To determine if REHACOP offers benefits beyond standard occupational activities.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 42 PD patients (Hoehn & Yahr stages 1-3).
- Participants were assigned to either the REHACOP cognitive training group or a control group (occupational activities) for 3 months.
- Primary outcomes included changes in processing speed, memory, executive functioning, and theory of mind; secondary outcomes assessed neuropsychiatric symptoms and functional disability.
Main Results:
- The REHACOP group showed significant improvements in processing speed (p=0.025), visual memory (p=0.011), and theory of mind (p=0.013) compared to the control group.
- Significant reductions in functional disability were observed in the REHACOP group (p=0.012).
- No significant baseline differences were found between the groups.
Conclusions:
- The REHACOP cognitive training program yielded statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements for PD patients.
- Key benefits included enhanced processing speed, visual memory, theory of mind, and reduced functional disability.
- Findings support the integration of REHACOP into the standard care for Parkinson disease management.
