Objective: To evaluate the effect of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) on cognitive functions and affective symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

Background: DBS helps reduce the clinical symptoms of PD, such as hypokinesia, rigidity, tremors, motor fluctuations, and levodopa-induced dyskinesias. Deep stimulation does not affect the non-motor symptoms of PD or may exacerbate them.

Method: The study group included 50 (26 males and 24 females) patients with PD after DBS implantation surgery. Assessment of the cognitive sphere was carried out on the scale of the evaluation of mental status (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)). The presence of signs of depression or other affective symptoms was evaluated using the Beck Depression Screening Scale and the Late Depression Scale (Geriatric Depression Scale -15 (GDS-15)).

Results: The diagnosis of idiopathic PD was confirmed in all patients, of which 32 people had the stages 2–2.5  according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale, 18 people – stage 3, 2 people – stage 4. The duration of the disease before surgical treatment is from 5 to 15 years (average value of 9.36 ± 2.97 years). The GDS-15 score before DBS implantation surgery was 4 (1; 5) points. During the 1st, 2nd, 3rd year, there is a non-statistically insignificant increase to 8 (4; 10) points (p> 0.05). Beck score for detecting depression in patients before surgery 5.0 (2.0; 6.0) after 3 years 3.2 (1.0; 4.0) points (p> 0.05).

Conclusion: The study showed that patients with PD did not reveal a statistically significant deterioration in cognitive functions or affective impairment during treatment with deep brain stimulation during three years of follow-up.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effect-of-deep-brain-stimulation-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-on-the-brain-cognitive-functions/