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Change in cognitive function in idiopathic Parkinson disease

K A Bayles1, C K Tomoeda, J A Wood

  • 1Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.

Archives of Neurology
|November 1, 1996
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cognitive function changes in Parkinson disease (PD) were studied using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A significant change was observed in 22% of PD patients over two years, with no change in controls.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

  • Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor function.
  • Cognitive impairment is a common non-motor symptom in PD, impacting daily life.
  • Longitudinal studies are crucial to understand the progression of cognitive changes in PD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the frequency and magnitude of cognitive function changes in idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD).
  • To determine changes in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) performance over a two-year period in PD patients.
  • To compare cognitive changes in PD patients with those in a healthy elderly control group.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study involving 77 patients with idiopathic PD and 43 normal elders.
  • Neuropsychological testing, including the MMSE, was administered twice, two years apart.
  • A 4-point MMSE score difference was defined as statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

  • Over two years, 17% (22%) of PD patients showed a significant decline (≥4 points) in MMSE scores, while 2 individuals improved.
  • No significant changes in MMSE scores were observed in the normal elderly control group.
  • PD patients taking dopamine agonists at the second test time showed a higher frequency of cognitive change.

Conclusions:

  • A significant decline in cognitive function, as measured by a 4-point MMSE change, occurred in 22% of PD patients over two years.
  • Cognitive changes in PD patients were not associated with education, disease duration, age, or baseline cognitive status.
  • Dopamine agonist use may be associated with cognitive changes in Parkinson disease patients.

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