Abstract
Concern about cognitive worsening, especially after subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been reported in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, although it has not been deemed severe enough to discredit DBS as a powerful tool in the armamentarium against PD. We here provide an in-depth and critical review of the current literature on this topic, summarizing the available data on the impact of STN and globus pallidus interna (GPi) DBS on each of the following cognitive domains: language, executive function, attention and concentration, memory, visual function, psychomotor and processing speed, and global cognition; then looking in more details into controlled studies as well as studies directly comparing GPi and STN DBS. We conclude that worsening of one or more cognitive function is rare and subtle after DBS in PD patients, without negative impact on quality of life, and that there is very little data supporting that STN DBS has a worse cognitive outcome than Gpi DBS.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the clinical tetrad of tremor at rest, rigidity, akinesia and postural instability (TRAP)
We reviewed the available literature on cognitive changes after subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in PD patients and arrive at the following suggestions
(1) Worsening of one or more cognitive function is rare after DBS in PD patients
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the clinical tetrad of tremor at rest, rigidity, akinesia (or bradykinesia) and postural instability (TRAP). It has a prevalence of 1 to 2% above the age of 60 years [1] and typically develops between the ages of 55 and 65 years. Five years after initiation of therapy, a majority of patients develop medication related motor complications, namely levodopa induced dyskinesias (LID) and motor fluctuations. Motor fluctuations occur when the duration of each medication dose is too short and the symptoms of PD recur sooner that initially. We here endeavor to review the available literature on this subject
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
