A computer-based cognitive training in Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND: There is no successful pharmacological treatment for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's Disease, therefore treatments capable of slowing down the progression of cognitive dysfunction are needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive training, supported by the CoRe computerized tool, in patients with Parkinson's Disease Mild Cognitive Impairment. METHODS: This is a prospective, open-unblinded, randomized, controlled study. After baseline cognitive assessment (T0), enrolled patients were randomized to receive motor rehabilitation plus cognitive intervention (G1) or motor rehabilitation only (G2). Follow-up assessments were scheduled 4 weeks (T1) and 6 months after (T2). Global cognitive functioning scores (MOCA and MMSE) were considered as primary outcome. Outcome measures at T0, T1 and T2 were compared within-and between-groups. A percentage change score between T0 and next assessments was calculated to identify patients who improved, remain stable or worsened. RESULTS: Differently from G2, G1 showed a medium/large effect size improvement in primary (MoCA) and secondary outcome, both between T0 and T1 and T0 and T2. Moreover, within G1, most patients improved their cognitive state compared to the baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Patients trained with CoRe showed a better evolution of cognitive decline, while untreated patients tended to get worse over time.