Objective: The aim of our study was to compare performance in neuropsychology tests in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with implanted electrodes of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) pre-operatively, six months and one year after surgery.

Background: DBS is a useful therapeutic option in patients with PD that significantly improves motor symptoms, functional status, and quality of life. Even though its benefits it has been observed that certain aspects of cognitive performance may decline after DBS.

Method: Non-demented patients with idiopathic PD in their best “ON” medication state and motor part of MDS-UPDRS (part III) were recruited. We used following tests to evaluate cognitive domains: memory – Auditory Verbal and Learning Test (AVLT), attention – Stroop test, visuospatial orientation – Rey-Osterrieth figure and language – verbal and semantic fluency. We assessed performance in these particular tests before surgery, 6 months and 12 months after surgery (V2).

Results: We detected in eight patients with PD after DBS notable impairment in executive functions, especially in inhibitory control in interference condition of Stroop’s test (p = 0.009) and processing speed (p = 0.012). After post hoc analysis we observed significant worsening in processing speed only 6 months after surgery (p = 0.018). Inhibitory control was substantially deteriorated after 6 months (p = 0.018) as well as after 12 months (p = 0.027) compared to preoperatively.

Conclusion: Although we observed mild deterioration in executive functions after DBS. Due to its significant beneficial effect on motor functions, DBS is still recommended in patients who meet the eligibility criteria.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-dbs-on-cognitive-functions-in-parkinsons-disease-in-1-year-follow-up/