Multi-modal hallucinations and cognitive function in Parkinson's disease

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2010;30(1):51-6. doi: 10.1159/000314875. Epub 2010 Jul 31.

Abstract

Background/aims: Hallucinations have been linked to a constellation of cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD), but it is not known whether multi-modal hallucinations are associated with greater neuropsychological dysfunction.

Methods: 152 idiopathic PD patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of hallucinations and then were further subdivided into visual-only (VHonly; n = 35) or multi-modal (VHplus; n = 12) hallucination groups. All participants underwent detailed neuropsychological assessment.

Results: Participants with hallucinations performed more poorly on select neuropsychological measures and exhibited more mood symptoms. There were no differences between VHonly and VHplus groups.

Conclusions: PD patients with multi-modal hallucinations are not at greater risk for neuropsychological impairment than those with single-modal hallucinations.

MeSH terms

  • Affect / physiology
  • Aged
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Attention / physiology
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / complications*
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology*
  • Deep Brain Stimulation
  • Emotions / physiology
  • Executive Function / physiology
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / complications*
  • Hallucinations / epidemiology
  • Hallucinations / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Intelligence Tests
  • Language
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Parkinson Disease / complications*
  • Parkinson Disease / epidemiology
  • Parkinson Disease / psychology*
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Risk
  • Space Perception / physiology

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents