Cognitive decline is one of the most debilitating manifestations of disease progression in Parkinson's disease and is a key determinant of a patient's quality of life and independence.1 The ability to predict and to manage this complication is highly relevant for recruitment into and stratification of clinical trials, particularly those designed to slow disease progression and to prevent dementia. Although a multitude of drugs for Parkinson's disease is available to improve motor aspects of the disease, these do not have a major effect on cognitive decline.
The authors of a study published in The Lancet Neurology aimed to develop a clinical–genetic score to predict global cognitive impairment in patients with the disease. This international study involving clinicians from AP-HP, Inserm, UPMC at ICM was conducted using 9 cohorts gathering 3200 patients. The resulting predictive algorithm provides a potential test for future cognitive health or impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. This model could improve trials of cognitive interventions and inform on prognosis.
In France, the DIG-PD cohort, coordinated by Pr Jean-Christophe Corvol at ICM, followed more than 400 patients for 6 years.