Average annual cost of Parkinson's disease in a Brazilian multiethnic population.

INTRODUCTION: With the current demographic transition, it is estimated that by 2050 Brazil will have a population of 90 million people aged 60 years or more, and in parallel Parkinson's disease (PD) will bring a considerable economic burden to our society. Brazil is considered multiracial due to its colonization, generating important social and regional inequalities. Knowing the costs of the PD may aid to improve local public policies. However, in Brazil, no estimates of these values have been made so far. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate direct, indirect, and out-of-pocket costs in Brazilian people with PD (PwP). METHODS: Categorical and numerical data were collected through a customized and standardized cost-related-questionnaire from 1055 PwP nationwide, from 10 tertiary movement disorders centers across all Brazilian regions. RESULTS: The estimated average annual cost of PwP was US$ 4020.48. Direct and indirect costs accounted for 63% and 36% of the total, respectively, and out-of-pocket costs were 49%. There were no evidence of differences in the total cost of PD across the regions of the country; however, differences were reported between the stages of the Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y). CONCLUSION: This data suggests a considerable burden of PD for Brazilian society in general, not only for the public health system, but mainly for those with PD.

Clinical assessment of upper limb impairments and functional capacity in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review / Avaliação clínica de comprometimentos de membros superiores e capacidade funcional na doença de Parkinson: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Background Parkinson's disease (PD) may progressively reduce the upper limb's functionality. Currently, there is no standardized upper limb functional capacity assessment in PD in the rehabilitation field. Objective To identify specific outcome measurements to assess upper limbs in PD and access functional capacity. Methods We systematically reviewed and analyzed the literature in English published from August/2012 to August/2022 according to PRISMA. The following keywords were used in our search: "upper limbs" OR "upper extremity" and "Parkinson's disease." Two researchers searched independently, including studies accordingly to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Registered at PROSPERO CRD42021254486. Results We found 797 studies, and 50 were included in this review (n = 2.239 participants in H&Y stage 1-4). The most common upper limbs outcome measures found in the studies were: (i) UPDRS-III and MDS-UPDRS to assess the severity and progression of PD motor symptoms (tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity) (ii) Nine Hole Peg Test and Purdue Pegboard Test to assess manual dexterity; (iii) Spiral test and Funnel test to provoke and assess freezing of upper limbs; (iv) Technology assessment such as wearables sensors, apps, and other device were also found. Conclusion We found evidence to support upper limb impairments assessments in PD. However, there is still a large shortage of specific tests to assess the functional capacity of the upper limbs. The upper limbs' functional capacity is insufficiently investigated during the clinical and rehabilitation examination due to a lack of specific outcome measures to assess functionality.

Resumo Antecedentes A doença de Parkinson (DP) reduz progressivamente a funcionalidade do membro superior. Não existe uma avaliação padronizada da capacidade funcional do membro superior na DP na área da reabilitação. Objetivo Identificar medidas de resultados específicos para avaliar membros superiores na DP e avaliar capacidade funcional. Métodos Revisamos e analisamos sistematicamente a literatura publicada de agosto/2012 a agosto/2022 de acordo com PRISMA. Usamos as seguintes palavras-chave "membros superiores" OU "extremidade superior" e "doença de Parkinson." Dois pesquisadores fizeram a busca de forma independente, incluindo estudos de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Registro PROSPERO CRD42021254486. Resultados Encontramos 797 estudos, 50 foram incluídos no estudo(n = 2.239 participantes no estágio 1-4 de H&Y). As medidas de resultados de membros superiores mais comuns encontradas foram: (i) UPDRS-III e MDS-UPDRS, para avaliar a gravidade e a progressão dos sintomas motores da DP (tremor, bradicinesia, e rigidez); (ii) Nine Hole Peg Test e Purdue Pegboard Test para avaliar a destreza manual; (iii) Teste da Espiral e Teste do Funil para provocar e avaliar o congelamento de membros superiores; (iv) Avaliação de tecnologia, como sensores vestíveis, aplicativos e outros dispositivos também foram encontrados. Conclusão Encontramos evidências para dar suporte para as avaliações de deficiências de membros superiores na DP. No entanto, ainda há grande escassez de testes específicos para avaliar a capacidade funcional dos membros superiores. A capacidade funcional dos membros superior é insuficientemente investigada durante o exame clínico e de reabilitação devido à falta de medidas de resultados específicos para avaliar a funcionalidade.

Clinical assessment of upper limb impairments and functional capacity in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) may progressively reduce the upper limb's functionality. Currently, there is no standardized upper limb functional capacity assessment in PD in the rehabilitation field. OBJECTIVE: To identify specific outcome measurements to assess upper limbs in PD and access functional capacity. METHODS: We systematically reviewed and analyzed the literature in English published from August/2012 to August/2022 according to PRISMA. The following keywords were used in our search: "upper limbs" OR "upper extremity" and "Parkinson's disease." Two researchers searched independently, including studies accordingly to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Registered at PROSPERO CRD42021254486. RESULTS: We found 797 studies, and 50 were included in this review (n = 2.239 participants in H&Y stage 1-4). The most common upper limbs outcome measures found in the studies were: (i) UPDRS-III and MDS-UPDRS to assess the severity and progression of PD motor symptoms (tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity) (ii) Nine Hole Peg Test and Purdue Pegboard Test to assess manual dexterity; (iii) Spiral test and Funnel test to provoke and assess freezing of upper limbs; (iv) Technology assessment such as wearables sensors, apps, and other device were also found. CONCLUSION: We found evidence to support upper limb impairments assessments in PD. However, there is still a large shortage of specific tests to assess the functional capacity of the upper limbs. The upper limbs' functional capacity is insufficiently investigated during the clinical and rehabilitation examination due to a lack of specific outcome measures to assess functionality.

ANTECEDENTES: A doença de Parkinson (DP) reduz progressivamente a funcionalidade do membro superior. Não existe uma avaliação padronizada da capacidade funcional do membro superior na DP na área da reabilitação. OBJETIVO: Identificar medidas de resultados específicos para avaliar membros superiores na DP e avaliar capacidade funcional. MéTODOS: Revisamos e analisamos sistematicamente a literatura publicada de agosto/2012 a agosto/2022 de acordo com PRISMA. Usamos as seguintes palavras-chave "membros superiores" OU "extremidade superior" e "doença de Parkinson." Dois pesquisadores fizeram a busca de forma independente, incluindo estudos de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Registro PROSPERO CRD42021254486. RESULTADOS: Encontramos 797 estudos, 50 foram incluídos no estudo(n = 2.239 participantes no estágio 1­4 de H&Y). As medidas de resultados de membros superiores mais comuns encontradas foram: (i) UPDRS-III e MDS-UPDRS, para avaliar a gravidade e a progressão dos sintomas motores da DP (tremor, bradicinesia, e rigidez); (ii) Nine Hole Peg Test e Purdue Pegboard Test para avaliar a destreza manual; (iii) Teste da Espiral e Teste do Funil para provocar e avaliar o congelamento de membros superiores; (iv) Avaliação de tecnologia, como sensores vestíveis, aplicativos e outros dispositivos também foram encontrados. CONCLUSãO: Encontramos evidências para dar suporte para as avaliações de deficiências de membros superiores na DP. No entanto, ainda há grande escassez de testes específicos para avaliar a capacidade funcional dos membros superiores. A capacidade funcional dos membros superior é insuficientemente investigada durante o exame clínico e de reabilitação devido à falta de medidas de resultados específicos para avaliar a funcionalidade.

Exploring the levodopa-paradox of freezing of gait in dopaminergic medication-naïve Parkinson's disease populations.

The relationship between dopaminergic treatment and freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is complex: levodopa is the most effective symptomatic treatment for FOG, but long-term pulsatile levodopa treatment has also been linked to an increase in the occurrence of FOG. This concept, however, continues to be debated. Here, we compared the occurrence of FOG between a levodopa-naive PD cohort and a levodopa-treated cohort. Forty-nine treatment-naive patients and 150 levodopa-treated patients were included. The time since first motor symptoms was at least 5 years. Disease severity was assessed using the MDS-UPDRS part III. Occurrence of FOG was assessed subjectively (new freezing-of-gait-questionnaire) and objectively (rapid turns test and Timed Up-and-Go test). The presence of FOG was compared between the levodopa-treated and levodopa-naive groups using a chi-square test of homogeneity. We also performed a binomial Firth logistic regression with disease duration, disease severity, country of inclusion, location of measurement, and executive function as covariates. Subjective FOG was more common in the levodopa-treated cohort (n = 41, 27%) compared to the levodopa-naive cohort (n = 2, 4%, p < 0.001). The association between FOG and levodopa treatment remained after adjustment for covariates (OR = 6.04, 95%Cl [1.60, 33.44], p = 0.006). Objectively verified FOG was more common in the levodopa-treated cohort (n = 21, 14%) compared to the levodopa-naive cohort (n = 1, 2%, p = 0.02). We found an association between long-term pulsatile levodopa treatment and an increased occurrence of FOG. Future studies should further explore the role of nonphysiological stimulation of dopamine receptors in generating FOG, as a basis for possible prevention studies.

Use of Objective Outcomes Measures to Verify the Effects of ICF-Based Gait Treatment in Huntington's Disease Patient on Globus Pallidus Deep Brain Stimulation: A Case Report.

In advanced stages of in Huntington's disease (HD) gait impairments and severe chorea are usually medication-refractory. The long-term effects on gait in HD of physiotherapy ICF-based management post- globus pallidus deep brain stimulation (GPi DBS) are not well-established. Physiotherapy has been recognized as an essential element in HD treatment. Here, we present a case report of a 56-year-old woman with HD on the advanced stage and severe chorea medication-refractory after GPi-DBS. We performed multidisciplinary motor assessments ICF-based to identify the disability at clinical and home-setting, including environmental and personal factors before and after GPi-DBS surgery and at 11-time points follow-up. The surgery was very successful and directly post GPi-DBS, there were a significant improvement in chorea and a substantial decrease in medication dose. A framework ICF- based physiotherapy protocol with external cues was developed to improve gait was delivered post-surgery and was continued three times/week during 18-months. Physiotherapy sessions consisted of a personalized protocol of exercises with functional movements, balance, and gait training with external cues. Improvements in gait were observed in 3-months post-intervention and were more expressive in 6-months follow-up. Our patient improved substantially HD motor symptoms and her quality of life after GPi-DBS intervention and a physiotherapy program ICF-based. The objective outcomes measures used to assess gait have served as endpoints to assessing the patient's motor profile during the pre-operative period. Assessments were helpful to verify the efficacy of the multidisciplinary intervention in long-term. Conclusion: Periodically assessing function and disability using outcome improvements may support clinicians' decisions about DBS, medication adjustments and guide physiotherapists to personalize the ICF-based intervention.

The Parkinson disease pain classification system: results from an international mechanism-based classification approach.

ABSTRACT: Pain is a common nonmotor symptom in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) but the correct diagnosis of the respective cause remains difficult because suitable tools are lacking, so far. We developed a framework to differentiate PD- from non-PD-related pain and classify PD-related pain into 3 groups based on validated mechanistic pain descriptors (nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic), which encompass all the previously described PD pain types. Severity of PD-related pain syndromes was scored by ratings of intensity, frequency, and interference with daily living activities. The PD-Pain Classification System (PD-PCS) was compared with classic pain measures (ie, brief pain inventory and McGill pain questionnaire [MPQ], PDQ-8 quality of life score, MDS-UPDRS scores, and nonmotor symptoms). 159 nondemented PD patients (disease duration 10.2 ± 7.6 years) and 37 healthy controls were recruited in 4 centers. PD-related pain was present in 122 patients (77%), with 24 (15%) suffering one or more syndromes at the same time. PD-related nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic pain was diagnosed in 87 (55%), 25 (16%), or 35 (22%), respectively. Pain unrelated to PD was present in 35 (22%) patients. Overall, PD-PCS severity score significantly correlated with pain's Brief Pain Inventory and MPQ ratings, presence of dyskinesia and motor fluctuations, PDQ-8 scores, depression, and anxiety measures. Moderate intrarater and interrater reliability was observed. The PD-PCS is a valid and reliable tool for differentiating PD-related pain from PD-unrelated pain. It detects and scores mechanistic pain subtypes in a pragmatic and treatment-oriented approach, unifying previous classifications of PD-pain.

The Adapted Resistance Training with Instability Randomized Controlled Trial for Gait Automaticity.

BACKGROUND: Deficits in the cerebellar locomotor region (CLR) have been associated with loss of gait automaticity in individuals with freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease (freezers); however, exercise interventions that restore gait automaticity in freezers are lacking. We evaluated the effects of the adapted resistance training with instability ([ARTI] complex exercises) compared with traditional motor rehabilitation (without complex exercises) on gait automaticity and attentional set-shifting. We also verified associations between gait automaticity change and CLR activation change previously published. METHODS: Freezers were randomized either to the experimental group (ARTI, n = 17) or to the active control group (traditional motor rehabilitation, n = 15). Both training groups performed exercises 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Gait automaticity (dual-task and dual-task cost [DTC] on gait speed and stride length), single-task gait speed and stride length, attentional set-shifting (time between Trail Making Test parts B and A), and CLR activation during a functional magnetic resonance imaging protocol of simulated step initiation task were evaluated before and after interventions. RESULTS: Both training groups improved gait parameters in single task (P < 0.05), but ARTI was more effective than traditional motor rehabilitation in improving DTC on gait speed, DTC on stride length, dual-task stride length, and CLR activation (P < 0.05). Changes in CLR activation were associated with changes in DTC on stride length (r = 0.68, P = 0.002) following ARTI. Only ARTI improved attentional set-shifting at posttraining (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ARTI restores gait automaticity and improves attentional set-shifting in freezers attributed to the usage of exercises with high motor complexity. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Effects of cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation on ataxias: A randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebellar ataxia remains a neurological symptom orphan of treatment interventions, despite being prevalent and incapacitating. We aimed to study, in a double-blind design, whether cerebellar modulation could improve ataxia. METHODS: We included patients with diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, multiple systems atrophy cerebellar type, or post-lesion ataxia. Patients received five sessions each of sham and active cerebellar 1 Hz deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in randomized order. Our primary outcome was the decrease in the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia when comparing phases (active x sham). Secondary outcomes measures included the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale, and other motor, cognitive, and quality of life scales. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (protocol NCT03213106). RESULTS: Twenty-four patients aged 29-74 years were included in our trial. After active stimulation, the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score was significantly lower than the score after sham stimulation [median (interquartile range) of 10.2 (6.2, 16.2) versus 12.8 (9.6, 17.8); p = 0.002]. The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale score also improved after active stimulation versus sham [median (interquartile range) of 29.0 (21.0, 43.5) versus 32.8 (22.0, 47.0); p = 0.005]. Other secondary outcomes were not significantly modified by stimulation. No patient presented severe side effects, and nine presented mild and self-limited symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our protocol was safe and well-tolerated. These findings suggest that cerebellar modulation may improve ataxic symptom and provide reassurance about safety for clinical practice.

Effects of multimodal balance training supported by rhythmical auditory stimuli in people with advanced stages of Parkinson's disease: a pilot randomized clinical trial.

Non-pharmacological interventions such as physiotherapy are recognized as important elements in the overall clinical management of motor impairments in PD, but evidence of physiotherapy in advanced disease stages is sparse. A recent trial found positive effects of multimodal balance training in people with mild to moderate PD, with greater and more sustained effects when rhythmical auditory stimuli were added. It is unclear whether such multimodal balance training is also effective in people with advanced PD (Hoehn & Yahr stage 4). METHODS: We performed a pilot prospective single-blind, randomized clinical trial to study the effectiveness of multimodal training with and without rhythmical auditory stimuli. We screened 76 people with Parkinson's disease and Hoehn & Yahr stage 4 by telephone; 35 patients were assigned randomly into two groups: (1) multimodal balance training with rhythmical auditory stimuli (RAS-supported intervention, n = 17) and (2) multimodal balance training without rhythmical auditory cues (n = 18). Training was performed for 5 weeks, two times/week. Primary outcome was the Mini-BESTest (MBEST) score immediately after the training period. Assessments were performed by the same two blinded assessors at baseline, immediately post intervention, and after one and 6-months follow-up. RESULTS: Immediately post-intervention, both intervention groups improved significantly on Mini-Best scores, without differences between both intervention modalities. In both groups, results were retained at one-month follow-up. At 6-months follow-up, the effects were retained only in the RAS-supported intervention group. For both intervention groups, no improvements were found on secondary outcome measures for gait. CONCLUSION: Both RAS-supported multimodal balance training and regular multimodal balance training improve balance in PD patients in advanced disease stages. Effects appear to sustain longer in the RAS-supported training group.

Multimodal Balance Training Supported by Rhythmic Auditory Stimuli in Parkinson Disease: Effects in Freezers and Nonfreezers.

OBJECTIVE: To fulfill the potential of nonpharmacological interventions for people with Parkinson disease (PD), individually tailored treatment is needed. Multimodal balance training supported by rhythmic auditory stimuli (RAS) can improve balance and gait in people with PD. The purpose of this study was to determine whether both freezers and nonfreezers benefit. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted on a large randomized controlled trial that included 154 patients with PD (Hoehn & Yahr Stages 1-3 while ON-medication) who were assigned randomly to 3 groups: (1) multimodal balance training with RAS delivered by a metronome (RAS-supported multimodal balance training); (2) regular multimodal balance training without rhythmic auditory cues; and (3) a control intervention (involving an educational program). Training was performed for 5 weeks, twice per week. The primary outcome was the Mini-BESTest score directly after the training period. Assessments were performed by a single, masked assessor at baseline, directly postintervention, and after 1-month and 6-month follow-up. Outcomes were analyzed in 1 analysis, and the results were presented separately for freezers and nonfreezers with a linear mixed model, adjusted for baseline Mini-BESTest scores, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores, and levodopa equivalent dose. RESULTS: In both freezers and nonfreezers, both RAS-supported multimodal training and regular training significantly improved the Mini-BESTest scores compared with baseline scores and with the control group scores. The improvement was larger for RAS-supported training compared with regular training, for both freezers and nonfreezers. Only the RAS-supported training group retained the improvements compared with baseline measurements at 6-month follow-up, and this was true for both freezers and nonfreezers. CONCLUSIONS: RAS-supported multimodal training is effective in improving balance performance in both freezers and nonfreezers. IMPACT: Until this study, it was unknown whether both freezers and nonfreezers could benefit from multimodal balance training. With this information, clinicians who work with people with PD will be better able to apply personalized gait rehabilitation. LAY SUMMARY: Adding rhythmic auditory stimuli (RAS) to balance training is beneficial for both freezers and nonfreezers, at least in persons with mild to moderate disease stages. This RAS-supported multimodal training has good potential for a wider clinical implementation with good long-term effects.

Brain networks associated with anticipatory postural adjustments in Parkinson's disease patients with freezing of gait.

Specific impairments of anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) during step initiation have been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and freezing of gait (FoG). Although APA disruption has been associated with FoG, there is scarce knowledge about its neural correlates. We sought to better understand the neural networks involved with APA in patients with FoG by assessing the level of hemodynamic response of specific brain regions and the functional connectivity during the leg lifting task. In the current investigation, APAs of patients with PD, with and without (nFoG) freezing were assessed during a leg lifting task in an event-related, functional magnetic resonance imaging (er-fMRI) protocol. Results identified a high hemodynamic response in the right anterior insula (AI) and supplementary motor area (SMA) in the FoG group when an APA was required. The nFoG had stronger connectivity between the right and left insulae than the FoG group. The strength of this connectivity was negatively correlated with the severity of FoG. Both groups showed different brain network organizations comprising the SMA and the bilateral AI. The SMA was found to be a hub in patients with FoG when an APA was required for the task. Our findings suggest that both groups used compensatory mechanism comprising the insulae during APA. Neither group used the entire network comprised of the insulae and SMA to accomplish the task. The FoG group relied more on SMA as a hub than as part of a broader network to exchange information during the APA.

Multimodal Balance Training Supported by Rhythmical Auditory Stimuli in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Balance impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) improves only partially with dopaminergic medication. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions such as physiotherapy are important elements in clinical management. External cues are often applied to improve gait, but their effects on balance control are unclear. OBJECTIVE/METHODS: We performed a prospective, single-blind, randomized clinical trial to study the effectiveness of balance training with and without rhythmical auditory cues. We screened 201 volunteers by telephone; 154 were assigned randomly into three groups: (1) multimodal balance training supported by rhythmical auditory stimuli (n = 56) (RAS-supported multimodal balance training); (2) regular multimodal balance training without rhythmical auditory stimuli (n = 50); and (3) control intervention involving a general education program (n = 48). Training was performed for 5 weeks, two times/week. Linear mixed models were used for all outcomes. Primary outcome was the Mini-BESTest (MBEST) score immediately after the training period. Assessments were performed by a single, blinded assessor at baseline, immediately post intervention, and after one and 6-months follow-up. RESULTS: Immediately post intervention, RAS-supported multimodal balance training was more effective than regular multimodal balance training on MBEST (difference 3.5 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.2; 4.8)), p < 0.001). Patients allocated to both active interventions improved compared to controls (MBEST estimated mean difference versus controls 6.6 (CI 5.2; 8.0), p < 0.001 for RAS-supported multimodal balance training; and 3.0 (CI 2.7; 5.3), p < 0.001 for regular multimodal balance training). Improvements were retained at one-month follow-up for both active interventions, but only the RAS-supported multimodal balance training group maintained its improvement at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Both RAS-supported multimodal balance training and regular multimodal balance training improve balance, but RAS-supported multimodal balance training-adding rhythmical auditory cues to regular multimodal balance training-has greater and more sustained effects.

Quantitative transcranial sonography in Wilson's disease and healthy controls: Cut-off values and functional correlates.

To compare transcranial sonography (TCS) findings in patients with predominantly neurological Wilson's disease (WD) to those from controls, and to correlate TCS data with the clinical profile of WD. Patients with WD (n=40/f=18) and healthy, matched controls (n=49/f=20) were assessed in terms of TCS, serum copper and iron parameters, and clinical scales, such as the Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS), Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Beck Depression Inventory. Lenticular nuclei and substantia nigra echogenic area cut-off values clearly differentiated WD patients from controls (area under the curve: 95.4% and 79.4%). Substantia nigra echogenic area was significantly larger in male than in female patients (p=0.001). Compared with controls, patients showed hyperechogenicity also in thalami and midbrain tegmentum/tectum; third ventricle width was increased and midbrain axial area was reduced. In the WD group, male gender correlated with substantia nigra echogenic area (r=0.515, p=0.0007) and serum ferritin levels (r=0.479, p=0.002); lenticular nuclei hyperechogenicity correlated with dystonia (r=0.326, p=0.04) and dysarthria (r=0.334, p=0.035); third ventricle width correlated with dystonia (r=0.439 p=0.005), dysarthria (r=0.449, p=0.004), parkinsonism (r=0.527, p<0.001), UWDRS neurological and total scores (both r=0.504, p=0.0009), MMSE (r=-0.496, p=0.001), and ACE-R (r=-0.534, p=0.0004). Lenticular nuclei echogenic area allowed highly accurate discrimination between patients and controls. The gender differences in substantia nigra echogenicity and iron metabolism are of interest in further studies in WD. TCS reflects different dimensions of WD pathology clearly differentiable from healthy controls and correlating with various clinical characteristics of WD.

Subthalamic deep brain stimulation modulates conscious perception of sensory function in Parkinson's disease.

Subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is used to treat refractory motor complications in Parkinson disease (PD), but its effects on nonmotor symptoms remain uncertain. Up to 80% of patients with PD may have pain relief after STN-DBS, but it is unknown whether its analgesic properties are related to potential effects on sensory thresholds or secondary to motor improvement. We have previously reported significant and long-lasting pain relief after DBS, which did not correlate with motor symptomatic control. Here we present secondary data exploring the effects of DBS on sensory thresholds in a controlled way and have explored the relationship between these changes and clinical pain and motor improvement after surgery. Thirty-seven patients were prospectively evaluated before STN-DBS and 12 months after the procedure compared with healthy controls. Compared with baseline, patients with PD showed lower thermal and mechanical detection and higher cold pain thresholds after surgery. There were no changes in heat and mechanical pain thresholds. Compared with baseline values in healthy controls, patients with PD had higher thermal and mechanical detection thresholds, which decreased after surgery toward normalization. These sensory changes had no correlation with motor or clinical pain improvement after surgery. These data confirm the existence of sensory abnormalities in PD and suggest that STN-DBS mainly influenced the detection thresholds rather than painful sensations. However, these changes may depend on the specific effects of DBS on somatosensory loops with no correlation to motor or clinical pain improvement.

Dream Recall Frequencies and Dream Content in Wilson's Disease with and without REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder: A Neurooneirologic Study.

Objective. Violent dream content and its acting out during rapid eye movement sleep are considered distinctive for rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD). This study reports first quantitative data on dreaming in a cohort of patients with treated Wilson's disease (WD) and in patients with WD with RBD. Methods. Retrospective questionnaires on different dimensions of dreaming and a prospective two-week home dream diary with self-rating of emotions and blinded, categorical rating of content by an external judge. Results. WD patients showed a significantly lower dream word count and very few other differences in dream characteristics compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Compared to WD patients without RBD, patients with WD and RBD reported significantly higher nightmare frequencies and more dreams with violent or aggressive content retrospectively; their prospectively collected dream reports contained significantly more negative emotions and aggression. Conclusions. The reduction in dream length might reflect specific cognitive deficits in WD. The lack of differences regarding dream content might be explained by the established successful WD treatment. RBD in WD had a strong impact on dreaming. In accordance with the current definition of RBD, violent, aggressive dream content seems to be a characteristic of RBD also in WD.