Screening for Cognitive Impairments in Primary Blepharospasm.
Jing Yang1, Wei Song1, Qianqian Wei1
1Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Plos One
|August 16, 2016
Summary
Cognitive deficits are present in some patients with primary blepharospasm, affecting visuospatial function and language. Impaired cognitive performance is linked to a reduced quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Non-motor symptoms are recognized as significant in primary dystonia.
- Evidence regarding cognitive impairment in primary dystonia remains limited and inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cognitive impairment in patients with primary blepharospasm.
- To examine the correlation between cognitive function and quality of life in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Chinese version of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive screening.
- Assessed quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form (SF36).
- Included 68 primary blepharospasm patients and 68 matched controls.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of cognitive deficits was 22.0% (MMSE) and 32.3% (ACE-R) in patients.
- Most affected cognitive domains included visuospatial function and language (30.9% each).
- Patients with cognitive deficits reported lower SF36 scores, particularly in physical and social functioning, and ACE-R scores correlated with SF36 scores.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive deficits are present in a subset of primary blepharospasm patients.
- Poorer performance on the ACE-R is associated with a diminished quality of life.
