RIS ID
115492
Abstract
Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in early Parkinson's disease (PD). We evaluated the stability of PD-MCI over time to determine its clinical utility as a marker of disease. Methods: 212 newly diagnosed participants with PD were recruited into a longitudinal study and reassessed after 18 and 36 months. Participants completed a range of clinical and neuropsychological assessments. PD-MCI was classified using Movement Disorders Society Task Force level I (Montreal Cognitive Assessment < 26) and level II (using cut-offs of 1, 1.5 and 2SD) criteria. Results: After 36 months, 75% of participants returned; 8% of patients had developed a dementia all of which were previously PD-MCI. Applying level I criteria, 70% were cognitively stable, 19% cognitively declined and 11% improved over 36 months. Applying level II criteria (1, 1.5 and 2SD), 25% were cognitively stable, 41% cognitively declined, 15% improved and 19% fluctuated over 36 months. 18% of participants reverted to normal cognition from PD-MCI. Discussion: Cognitive impairment in PD is complex, with some individuals' function fluctuating over time and some reverting to normal cognition. PD-MCI level I criteria may have greater clinical convenience, but more comprehensive level II criteria with 2SD cut-offs may offer greater diagnostic certainty.
Publication Details
Lawson, R. A., Yarnall, A. J., Duncan, G. W., Breen, D. P., Khoo, T. K., Williams-Gray, C. H., Barker, R. A. & Burn, D. J. (2017). Stability of mild cognitive impairment in newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 88 (8), 648-652.