Characteristics of Cognitive Impairment and Their Relationship With Total Cerebral Small Vascular Disease Score in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the characteristics of cognitive dysfunctions and their relationship with total cerebral small vascular disease (CSVD) in Parkinson’s disease (PD).MethodsA total of 174 idiopathic PD patients who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were recruited. Demographic information, vascular disease risk factors, motor function (MDS-UPDRS III score), and cognitive level (MoCA, MMSE) were collected for these patients. The total CSVD burden was scored based on lacunes, enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), high-grade white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) for each subject.ResultsCognitive scores on MoCA for language, delayed recall, and orientation were significantly reduced in PD patients with CSVD burden ≥ 1 than in those with CSVD burden = 0. Educational level, PDQ 39, and CSVD burden were significantly associated with MoCA scores in individuals with PD. For the whole group, the full model accounted for 33.6% variation in total MoCA scores. In which, CSVD burden explained 2.7% of the results, and the detection of lacunes, WMH, EPVS, and strictly lobar CMBs were significantly correlated with MoCA scores. The stability of the outcomes was confirmed by sensitivity analysis.ConclusionCSVD can independently contribute to cognitive decline in PD and cause damage in specific cognitive domains. Promoting neurovascular health may help preserve cognitive functions in PD.