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Reversible memory disturbance and intelligence impairment induced by long-term anticholinergic therapy
K Nishiyama1, M Sugishita, H Kurisaki
1Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|July 25, 1998
Summary
Long-term anticholinergic therapy (AC-T) may cause memory and intelligence deficits in Parkinson's patients. These reversible neuropsychological deficits, particularly in older individuals, recurred upon resuming AC-T.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- The long-term effects of anticholinergic therapy (AC-T) on cognitive function, including memory and intelligence, remain controversial.
- Parkinson's disease patients often receive AC-T, necessitating an understanding of its potential cognitive side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the existence of memory and intelligence impairment induced by long-term AC-T in Parkinson's disease patients.
- To characterize the specific types of cognitive deficits associated with AC-T.
Main Methods:
- Prospective examination of 90 Parkinson's disease patients undergoing long-term AC-T.
- Utilized a battery of neuropsychological tests to assess intelligence, short-term memory, and long-term memory functions.
Main Results:
- Eight out of 90 patients exhibited at least one cognitive deficit.
- Deficits included intelligence impairment (4 patients), verbal delayed recall (8 patients), short-term verbal memory (5 patients), and long-term verbal memory (6 patients).
- Older patients were more susceptible to these reversible deficits, which recurred acutely upon re-initiation of AC-T.
Conclusions:
- Long-term anticholinergic therapy is closely associated with neuropsychological deficits in Parkinson's disease patients.
- Evidence suggests potential independence between short-term and long-term verbal memory systems.
- Cognitive impairments associated with AC-T appear to be reversible and more prevalent in older individuals.