Abstract
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. Design: Before-after trial. Patients and 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. Conclusion: Therapy with STN-DBS improves motor symptoms in PD without any clinically relevant neuropsychological deterioration.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1223-1227 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Archives of Neurology |
Volume | 58 |
Issue number | 8 |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)