Classifying cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Classifying different subtypes of cognitive impairment in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
IRAS ID
210169
Contact name
Donald Grosset
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cognitive decline, including both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, eventually affects up to 80-90% of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. There are two established levels of criteria for diagnosing dementia in PD patients: screening and confirmatory. A significant proportion of PD cases who undergo autopsy show a combination of Parkinson’s disease dementia and other dementia disease processes – 40-50%, for example, also show signs of Alzheimer’s pathology. The recognition of co-existing dementia processes is, however, not generally appreciated in life. This has important implications for disease management, as a clear and accurate understanding of a patient’s cognitive impairment is essential for effective treatment.
This study will examine the cognitive features in a cross-sectional study of approximately 120 PD patients with some degree of cognitive decline, drawn from Glasgow and Lanarkshire movement disorder clinics, in whom comprehensive evaluation of cognitive patterns will be performed. One relative for each patient will also be recruited (for a total of 240 participants); their input will be used to inform the evaluation of each patient's cognitive pattern. The pattern of cognitive impairment will be mapped to determine the likely underlying disease processes.
The proportion of PD patients who fulfil the diagnostic criteria for the various dementia types will be defined. The value of the comprehensive evaluation of cognitive patterns will be assessed in comparison to basic assessment. This will therefore allow a comparison of screening to confirmatory criteria, defined according to international guidelines. Finally, the relationship between a patient’s treatment plan (medication, service access, etc.) to their diagnosis will be evaluated. These results will be useful for guiding future clinical practice regarding cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease patients.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
17/NS/0049
Date of REC Opinion
25 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion