Study of Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Patients and its Correlation with Freezing of Gait Episodes and Bradykinesia

Background: The study was carried out to assess the cognitive impairment in Parkinson's patients and to correlate it with Freezing of gait episodes and Bradykinesia.

Subject: 60 Adults (30- Parkinson's patients; 30- Normal) between the age group of 45-81 were included in the study.

Method: A total of 30 Parkinson's patients and 30 normal age matched adults were screened for the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were then evaluated for cognition using Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA)11. The result was correlated with Freezing of gait episodes and Bradykinesia.

Results: There was significant evidence of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's patients when compared with normal age matched adults with Visuospatial skills, Language, Delayed recall being most affected components of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale. There is also significant correlation of cognitive impairment in these patients with Freezing of gait episodes and Bradykinesia.

Conclusion: The result of the study emphasizes the need to assess cognition in Parkinson's patients especially those experiencing Freezing of gait episodes and Bradykinesia to facilitate Rehabilitation process.