Cognitive dysfunction in Tunisian LRRK2 associated Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

BackgroundCognitive impairment and dementia are frequent and debilitating features associated with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). However the prevalence and the pattern of these complications are lacking for LRRK2 (leucine-rich kinase 2)-associated PD patients. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess cognitive function in LRRK2- associated PD patients. Material and methods55 patients diagnosed with PD-related LRRK2 G2019S mutation were included in the study and compared to the same number of G2019S non-carriers PD patients. Age, sex, disease duration, the movement disorder society-unified Parkinson’s Disease rating scale (MDS-UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr stage, Schwab and England scale and the 30-item geriatric depression scale (GDS) scores were noted. Cognitive assessment included MMSE (Mini-Mental Examination), MOCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and FAB (Frontal Assessment Battery). ResultsMMSE, MOCA and FAB performance in G2019S carriers PD patients was similar to that of non-carriers. In both groups, performance was primarily impaired on visuospatial and executive tasks. Cognitive impairment was associated with older age, lower educational level and increased severity of motor impairment. ConclusionCognitive functions were similarly affected in PD patients with and without LRRK2 G2019S mutation with mainly impaired visuospatial and executive abilities. However, these results need to be confirmed by further large and prospective studies.