A cerebrospinal fluid turnover in Parkinson's disease

In 30 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) CT scan, isotopic cisternography and neuropsychological examination were performed to test possible relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) turnover, intellectual impairment and brain atrophy. Pathological cisternography was found in one third of the patients and it was positively correlated with the Columbia Rating Scale. Cerebral atrophy on CT was found more frequently in patients with earlier onset of PD. Combined pathological pattern on CT scan and on cisternography was correlated with intellectual decline. We conclude from this study, that in PD intellectual deterioration and brain atrophy separately are not connected with abnormal CSF turnover.