Executive dysfunction, behavioral changes and quality of life in Chinese patients with progressive supranuclear palsy

To explore the prevalence and clinical correlates of executive impairment and behavioral changes, and the determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

This cross-sectional study included 52 patients with PSP. The frontal assessment battery (FAB) was used to assess executive function, while the frontal behavioral inventory (FBI) and Neuropsychiatry Inventory (NPI) were used to assess behavioral changes. The HRQoL of PSP patients was assessed using the Parkinson's disease questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39). The stepwise multiple regression model was use to explore their related factors.

Executive deficits were detected in forty patients (76.9%), and fifty patients (96.2%) displayed varied degrees of frontal behavioral changes. FAB score was associated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (β=0.620, P<0.001) and Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III score (β=-0.238, P=0.025). FBI score was associated with FAB score (β=-0.311, P=0.005) and UPDRS III score (β=0.251, P=0.018). PDQ-39 score was associated with FAB score (β=-0.324, P=0.005), UPDRS III score (β=0.306, P=0.008), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (β=0.353, P=0.001).

Executive deficits and behavioral changes are common in Chinese PSP patients. Executive functions are associated with disease severity. Patients with executive dysfunction and more severe disease disability are likely to exhibit frontal behavioral abnormalities. Executive dysfunction, disease severity and depression exert an impact on the HRQoL of PSP patients.