Deep brain stimulation and neuropsychology: a step forward?

摘要

Motor function and quality of life (QOL) can be improved substantially in some patients with Parkinson disease (PD) by treatment with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS), but a minority of patients can develop cognitive and emotional difficulties after surgery. Now, Smeding and colleagues report on predictors of the cognitive and psychosocial effects of STN DBS in patients with PD. These new findings are especially welcome because they move neuropsychology a step forward and help clinicians in predicting cognitive outcome 12 months after STN DBS surgery.