Cognitive function in 1736 participants in NINDS Exploratory Trials in PD Long-term Study-1

- Cognitive function was measured over 3-6 years in 1741 PD participants.
- Participants experienced mild decline (−1.9 points over 5 years in the SCOPA-COG).
- Age, male gender and baseline motor UPDRS were associated with more rapid decline.
- Self-reported income predicted baseline cognitive function, adjusted for education.

IntroductionClinical cohort studies suggest that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in early Parkinson's disease (PD). The objectives of this paper were to describe cognitive function in a large clinical trial of early treated PD patients at baseline and over time using two brief cognitive screening tests.MethodsIn total 1741 participants were enrolled in the NINDS Exploratory Trials in Parkinson's disease (NET-PD) Long-term Study-1 (LS-1). The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was collected annually. The SCales for Outcomes in PArkinson's disease-COGnition (SCOPA-COG) was collected at baseline and at year 5. The trial was stopped early based on a planned interim analysis after half the cohort completed 5 years of follow-up. The median length of follow-up was 4 years (range 3-6 years). Predictors of cognitive change were examined using cross sectional (baseline) and longitudinal multivariable linear regression.ResultsThe mean (SD) change from baseline to 5 years was −1.9 (5.1) for the SCOPA-COG and −2.1 (11.1) for the SDMT. Age and baseline UPDRS motor scores were associated with a more rapid decline in SDMT scores and 5 year SCOPA-COG scores. Male gender was associated with more rapid decline in SDMT. Self-reported income was a novel predictor of baseline cognitive function, even adjusted for educational status, although not significantly associated with change over time.ConclusionThis large prospective cohort study demonstrated mild cognitive decline in early treated Parkinson's disease. The study identified income level as a novel predictor of cognitive function.