Cognitive impairments in Parkinson's disease: Evidence from an Iranian population

BACKGROUND Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have different cognitive impairments. The goal of this study is the analysis of these changes in the mentioned patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed on 87 patients with PD. Patients were given a questionnaire to gather data about their medical and living statuses. To assess cognitive assessment, SCOPA-COG (Scales for Outcome in Parkinson Cognition) was used by an expert cognitive neuroscientist. RESULTS The age inversely correlated to memory and learning (P < 0.01). Education level correlated directly to attention, memory, learning, executive function and visuospatial function (for all items P < 0.001). Spouse relationship type showed inverse association with memory, learning, executive function and visuospatial function (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Cognitive domains in PD patients may be under the influence of different factors. Due to the lack of control group in this study, cautious interpretation of findings is needed.