title: Blind randomized controlled study of the efficacy of cognitive training in Parkinson's disease.
abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of a cognitive training program on cognitive performance and quality of life in nondemented Parkinson's disease patients. Participants who met UK Brain Bank diagnosis criteria for Parkinson's disease, with I-III Hoehn & Yahr, aged 50-80, and nondemented (Mini-Mental State Examination ≥ 23) were recruited. Patient's cognitive performance and functional and quality-of-life measures were assessed with standardized neuropsychological tests and scales at baseline and after 4 weeks. Subjects were randomly and blindly allocated by age and premorbid intelligence (Vocabulary, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III) into 2 groups: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received 4 weeks of 3 weekly 45-minute sessions using multimedia software and paper-and-pencil cognitive exercises, and the control group received speech therapy. A total of 28 patients were analyzed. Compared with the control group participants (n = 12), the experimental group participants (n = 16) demonstrated improved performance in tests of attention, information processing speed, memory, visuospatial and visuoconstructive abilities, semantic verbal fluency, and executive functions. There were no observable benefits in self-reported quality of life or cognitive difficulties in activities of daily living. We concluded that intensive cognitive training may be a useful tool in the management of cognitive functions in Parkinson's disease. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society.
authors: Unitat de Parkinson i Trastorns del Moviment, Centro Médico Teknon. Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Anna Prats
authors: AP
authors: París
authors: Heidi Guerra
authors: HG
authors: Saleta
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: de la Cruz Crespo Maraver
authors: Emmanuel
authors: E
authors: Silvestre
authors: Maite Garolera
authors: MG
authors: Freixa
authors: Cristina Petit
authors: CP
authors: Torrellas
authors: Silvia Alonso
authors: SA
authors: Pont
authors: Marc Fabra
authors: MF
authors: Nadal
authors: Sheila Alcaine
authors: SA
authors: Garcia
authors: Maria Victoria Perea
authors: MV
authors: Bartolomé
authors: Valentina Ladera
authors: VL
authors: Fernández
authors: Angels Rusiñol
authors: AR
authors: Bayés
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome