Parkinson Platform Noord Nederland

The VANTAGE study (a non-randomised trial of 136 patients with moderate-to-severe idiopathic Parkinson’s disease done at six specialist centres in Europe), showed that bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus with a constant-current device can improve motor function and quality of life, with a seemingly acceptable safety profile. A new study now reports detailed neuropsychological outcome data collected during this trial. Neuropsychological tests were administered 1 and 4 weeks before implantation, and 3 and 12 months after; these tests evaluated key cognition domains, including attention and working memory (Stroop Color and Word Test, and Trailmaking Test), and verbal fluency tests (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test–64 card version and Frontal Systems Behavior Scale).