Effects of Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation on Attention, Executive Functions, and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blinded Pilot Study

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Katrine Svaerke
  • Andreas Kirknaes Faerk
  • Asta Riis
  • Susanne Ebba Maja Stiegnitz Von Ehrenfels
  • Jesper Mogensen
  • Løkkegaard, Annemette

Background: Cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD) has become increasingly recognized in recent years, and there is a need to identify methods for cognitive rehabilitation in PD patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and effects of 2 different computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (CBCR) interventions on attention, executive functions, and quality of life (QoL) in PD patients. Methods: Thirty nondemented PD patients were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: one passive control group and 2 intervention groups with 2 different CBCR programmes. The intervention period was 8 weeks with follow-up visits in clinic every second week. Before and after the intervention period, patients were tested with a neuropsychological battery of attention, executive functions, and QoL. Results: Twenty-four patients completed the study. Patients in one of the CBCR groups experienced a significant within-group increase on the primary measures of attention, executive functions, and QoL. However, this effect was not significant between groups. No significant differences were observed for the other CBCR group or the control group. Conclusions: CBCR is a feasible intervention for cognitive rehabilitation in nondemented PD patients. The effects of training were modest and should be further explored in larger clinical trials. Some CBCR programmes might be more effective than others for PD patients.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
Volume50
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)519-528
Number of pages10
ISSN1420-8008
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 S. Karger AG, Basel.

    Research areas

  • Cognitive and clinical neuropsychology, Cognitive decline, Parkinson's disease, Quality of life, Rehabilitation

ID: 314059319