Review paper
Cognitive functioning of patients with Parkinson’s disease undergoing deep brain stimulation of subthalamic nucleus

Deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS) is a relatively new method of therapy proposed to patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD), especially when the traditional dopatherapy appears to be insufficient or when patients experience side effects associated with this kind of treatment (dyskinesias, fluctuations). The effectiveness of the surgery in improving motor functions has been confirmed in a number of studies. However, its impact on cognitive functions still remains a controversial issue. There are many contradictory reports in this area. The purpose of this review is to combine the previous studies about cognitive functioning of PD patients who underwent DBS surgery of the subthalamic nucleus. According to the previous studies, this area seems to be one of the best stereotactic targets and allows clinicians to reduce the daily doses of levodopa by up to 84%. The article presents previous reports about the influence of the surgery on the cognitive functions of verbal fluency, visuo-spatial, executive functions, memory, attention and concentration, and global cognitive profile presented by the patients. Furthermore, the possible factors that may have an impact on the deterioration in cognitive functions after the surgery are also discussed in this paper.

It seems that knowledge about latest reports about patients’ functioning after DBS surgery is important both for the specialist and the patients due to the more conscious choice of this method of treatment. What is more, this knowledge may indicate the importance of careful and constant observation of the patient who underwent the surgery.