[Neuropsychological changes and bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease].
BACKGROUND
To investigate neuropsychiatric changes in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients after 12 months of bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS-STN).


METHODS
Nine out of 23 patients with PD subjected to DBS-STN were included. The mean follow-up of this cohort was 12 months, mean disease duration 14.2 5.5 years and mean UPDRS motor score in <<off>> 43.2 13.7.


METHODS
Patients were selected on the basis of CAPSIT criteria. They underwent bilateral implant of stimulators in STN under stereotactic conditions. Quality of life scale (PDQ 39), depression scale (Brev-Cet), frontal function test (Stroop, Wisconsin, verbal fluency) and memory evaluation (Barcelona test) were monitored at baseline in <<on>> medication and after 12 months in <<on>> medication/<<on>> stimulation.


RESULTS
The patients' motor scores improved on an average of 40.2 % (p = 0.0002) in <<off>> medication situation and 58 % in quality of life scores. We observed a benefit in depression scores (52 %, p = 0.003). Immediate verbal memory improved as well, 25 % (p = 0.04) in recall memory and 14 % (p = 0.02) in recognition memory. No changes were observed in visual memory, verbal fluency and/or global cognitive tests.


CONCLUSIONS
DBS-STN in PD patients seems to be an effective tool for improving their quality of life, due to its benefits on motor function, verbal memory and mood. Bilateral DBS-STN did not affect either verbal fluency or executive functions in our patients. Neuropsychological assessment is a good tool for selection and study of the operated patients.
Gómez
J C
JC
Servicio de Neurología, Hospital de Cruces, Baracaldo (Vizcaya), Spain. jgomez@meditex.es
Lezcano
E
E
Molano
A
A
Lambarri
I
I
Bilbao
G
G
Garibi
J
J
Madoz
P
P
Zarranz
J J
JJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003863:Depression; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D020531:Subthalamic Nucleus / Q000502:physiology*
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D007980:Levodopa