Abstract

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD-MCI) is considered a predictor for the development of dementia, a major source of eventual treatment-refractory disability. Physical activity, which has proved effective in improving motor symptom, has also been proposed as a possible non-pharmacological intervention for preventing/delaying the onset of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Objectives: This study evaluates the effect of a 4-week rehabilitation therapy on cognitive functions in mid-stage PD-MCI patients.
Methods: 40 PD-MCI patients were randomized to receive Physical Therapy (PT) or no physical therapy (CT) according to a controlled single-blind design. Subjects in the PT group (n. 17) attended a rehabilitation program with 6 sessions/week, each lasting 60 minutes, for 4 weeks in addition to their usual pharmacological therapy; subjects in CT group (n. 22) received only pharmacological therapy. Cognitive and motor functions were assessed at baseline (T0) and at the end of the intervention period (T1) in both groups.

Results: PT group showed a significant T0 to T1 improvement in global cognitive functioning (MOCA) and in working memory tests, associated to a parallel improvement in motor performances. Cognitive and motor scores did not change in CT group. When comparing the two groups, we detected a significant improvement in global cognitive functioning (MoCA) and attention/working-memory in the PT group.

Conclusions: Though preliminary and limited to a short period of time, these findings suggest the idea that a physical training program has a positive impact on cognitive functions in PD-MCI.

Keywords: Cognitive decline; Physical therapy; Parkinson’s disease