Effects of bilateral subthalamic stimulation on cognitive function in Parkinson disease.
BACKGROUND
Chronic bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is known to improve motor function in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). However, the possible effects of STN-DBS on neuropsychological functions have been studied less.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of STN-DBS on neuropsychological functions in PD.


METHODS
Before-after trial.


METHODS
Fifteen consecutive patients were assessed before and 3 months after implantation of stimulators for STN-DBS (postsurgical assessment with the stimulators switched on). Both assessments were performed with patients in a drug-free condition. The neuropsychological battery consisted of tests measuring memory and visuospatial and frontal functions.


RESULTS
The comparison between presurgical and postsurgical performance showed a moderate deterioration in verbal memory and prefrontal and visuospatial functions, and a moderate improvement in a prefrontal task and obsessive-compulsive traits. The motor state improved in all patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapy with STN-DBS improves motor symptoms in PD without any clinically relevant neuropsychological deterioration.
Alegret
M
M
Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Hospital Clinic Universitari, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
Junqué
C
C
Valldeoriola
F
F
Vendrell
P
P
Pilleri
M
M
Rumià
J
J
Tolosa
E
E
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D020531:Subthalamic Nucleus / Q000601:surgery*