Cognitive training in Parkinson's disease reduces cognitive decline in the long term

Eur J Neurol. 2015 Apr;22(4):640-7. doi: 10.1111/ene.12621. Epub 2014 Dec 22.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are at high risk for cognitive dysfunction. Non-pharmacological interventions have attracted increasing interest for enhancing PD patients' cognitive functions.

Methods: One-year follow-up data (T2 ) of a randomized controlled trial evaluating two 6-week cognitive trainings - a structured (NEUROvitalis, NV) and an unstructured (mentally fit, MF) program - compared with a waiting list control group (CG) in non-demented PD patients (Hoehn and Yahr I-III) are presented. Forty-seven PD patients were examined at T2 . Effects on overall cognitive functions (Mini-Mental State Examination and DemTect) were compared between all groups with repeated measurement analyses of variance. A combined score of the percentage change value from baseline (T0 ) to T2 was calculated to identify patients who retained or improved their cognitive state (responders). The risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was analyzed.

Results: Significant time × treatment effects on overall cognitive functions were found for both training groups, each compared separately to the CG (DemTect, P < 0.05). Nine patients (56.3%) of the NV group, seven (41.2%) of the MF group and three (21.4%) of the CG were responders. Comparing NV to CG the odds ratio was 4.7 [95% confidence interval (0.8; 33.3)], and comparing MF to CG it was 2.6 [95% confidence interval (0.4; 17.4)]. MCI risk for patients without prior MCI was 40.0% in CG, 18.2% in MF and 18.2% in NV. The odds ratio was 3 comparing NV to CG, MF to CG.

Discussion: This study gives evidence that cognitive training may be effective to prevent cognitive decline and onset of MCI in PD patients.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease; cognitive training; follow-up; intervention; mild cognitive impairment.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / etiology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / complications
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome