Comparison of decline in different cognitive domain in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus.

We sought to describe the cognitive profile of patients with Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Based on age and education correlated norms, we aimed to compare performance in each measured cognitive domain: executive functions (EFs), verbal memory (VM), non-verbal memory (nVM), visuoconstructional abilities (VA) and attention/psychomotor speed (A/PS). Patients diagnosed with iNPH underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation before shunting. Their performance was compared to the age and education correlated norms. Correlation of different cognitive domains in iNPH profile was performed. A total of 53 iNPH patients (73.21 ± 5.48 years) were included in the study. All of the measured cognitive domains were significantly damaged. The most affected domains were EFs and VM (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). A/PS domain was affected milder than EFs and VM (p<0.001). The least affected domains were nVM (p<0.001) and VA (p<0.001). Patients with iNPH are affected in all cognitive domains and the cognitive decline is uneven across these domains. The impairment of memory was shown to depend on the presented material. VM was shown to be much more severely affected than nVM and along with VM, EFs were shown to be the most affected. A/PS speed was shown to be less affected than VM and EFs and the least affected domains were nVM and VA.

[Overview of the Guidelines for Managing Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus].

Japanese guidelines for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) (iNPHGL) are the first and only guidelines in the world that were revised following subsequent developments in iNPH research. We first discuss the virtuous cycle in which the development and revision of the iNPHGL and how the implementation of two consecutive multicenter prospective studies conducted in Japan, SINPHONIs, have worked together to advance iNPH practices. Subsequently, we explained the most characteristic features of the iNPHGL, such as "Positioning of iNPH," "Diagnostic Criteria," and "Algorithms for Diagnosis and Treatment." To classify iNPH, we categorized chronic adult-onset normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) as iNPH, secondary NPH, Congenital/Developmental NPH, and Familial NPH. In the diagnostic criteria and algorithm, we classified iNPH into four categories: Suspected iNPH, Possible iNPH, Probable iNPH, and Definite iNPH, depending on the certainty of the diagnosis. In addition, a positioned disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus (DESH) on head computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is an important finding for the diagnosis of iNPH. Finally, we presented the results of a survey on the treatment status of patients with suspected iNPH, awareness of DESH, and use of this iNPHGL among medical centers for dementia in Japan.

[Symptomatology of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus].

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus causes a triad of gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence in the elderly. All these symptoms may manifest as age-related functional decline or from neurological and non-neurological diseases common in the elderly. In idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, characterized by ataxic-ataxic gait, subcortical dementia, and urge urinary incontinence, it is clinically important to consider these characteristic features. This overview describes the symptomatology of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

[Biomarkers of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus].

Although the pathophysiology of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) remain largely unknown, it is well acknowledged that iNPH causes ventricular enlargement due to decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption. Pathophysiologically, it is supposed that the excretion of waste proteins is impaired along with CSF. Hence, they tend to aggregate, and in many neurodegenerative diseases, abnormal aggregation and accumulation of such proteins are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of disease. Biomarkers (BMs) contribute to diagnosis by identifying comorbid neurodegenerative diseases that may affect the prognosis of treatment, as well as exploring the pathogenetic mechanisms of iNPH. In addition, BMs can be an important prognostic test for shunt therapy.

[Epidemiology, Natural History, and Genetic Factors of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus].

According to a cohort study in a Japanese rural area, the prevalence of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) in the 80s was 7.7% among the older inhabitants, despite only a small percentage of the population seeking consultation. The 16-year observation of the cohort revealed that people were in the state of asymptomatic ventriculomegaly with features of iNPH on magnetic resonance imaging or asymptomatic ventricular enlargement several years before presenting symptoms and intracranial changes of iNPH. SFMBT1 was found to be a risk gene for iNPH, and investigating these risk genes will further the study of iNPH pathophysiology.

[Challenges to Distinguish Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy].

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a clinical condition characterized by symptoms of gait disturbance, cognitive dysfunction, and urinary disturbance. In contrast, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by supranuclear gaze palsy, akinetic rigidity, gait disturbance, and dementia. PSP manifests various clinical phenotypes that mimic other diseases and occasionally present iNPH-like presentations. Our previous publication showed that PSP develops iNPH-like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features more frequently than other neurodegenerative diseases. It is thus sometimes challenging to distinguish iNPH from PSP. Recently, we showed that patients with PSP, particularly those with iNPH-like MRI findings, often demonstrate amelioration of their gait disturbance following a spinal tap or shunt operation. Moreover, our study revealed that both patients with iNPH and PSP often manifest a placebo effect that can be evaluated by implementing a sham spinal tap. Therefore, although a positive response to a spinal tap has been thought of as a distinct feature of iNPH, it may not be useful in differentiating iNPH and PSP. However, in clinical practice, comparing the response to a spinal tap with that of a sham spinal tap may help accurately specify patients with iNPH or PSP who definitively respond to the shunt operation.

Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and Alzheimer's disease.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the ability of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), to separate the early stages of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) from Alzheimer's disease (AD), both in comparison to each other and to healthy individuals (HI). Method: The RAVLT performance regarding learning, recall and recognition, was analyzed in three matched samples comprising 30 HI, 84 participants with AD and 84 with iNPH. The clinical samples were divided into two subgroups based on scores on the MMSE, High performers (27-30 points, n = 30) and Medium performers (18-26 points, n = 54). Results: Memory performance was significantly impaired in both clinical samples relative to HI, even in the comparisons with the subgroups consisting of only High-MMSE performers. Despite similar results on measures capturing learning, the iNPH patients outperformed AD patients on measures of recall and recognition. Conclusions: Learning impairment occurs early in iNPH and AD alike, when MMSE performance is still within normal limits. RAVLT measures of delayed recall and recognition are less affected in iNPH than in AD and may serve as differential diagnostic neuropsychological markers.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diagnosis in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: Idiopatic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a progressive neurologic syndrome featured by the triad of gait disturbance, mental deterioration and urinary incontinence, associated with ventriculomegaly and normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. The clinical presentation may be atypical or incomplete, or mimicked by other diseases, so conventional neuroradiologic imaging plays an important role in defining this pathology. iNPH pathophysiologic mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated, although several studies have demonstrated the involvement of the glymphatic system, a highly organized fluid transport system, the malfunction of which is involved in the pathogenesis of several disorders including normotensive hydrocephalus. METHODS: Recent studies have shown how crucial in the diagnosis of this pathology is the definition of morphologic biomarkers, such as ventricular enlargement disproportionate to cerebral atrophy and associated ballooning of frontal horns; periventricular hyperintensities; and corpus callosum thinning and elevation, with callosal angle <90 degrees. RESULTS: Another interesting feature that is becoming a well-recognized factor to look for and useful for the diagnosis of iNPH is disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus, which includes enlarged ventricles, tight high-convexity and medial surface subarachnoid spaces, and expanded Sylvian fissures. A correct choice of MRI sequences is important for a proper characterization identification of others diseases that may underlie this pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging allows us to evaluate CSF flow, enabling us to define qualitative and quantitative parameters necessary for the purpose of accurate iNPH diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: iNPH can represent a real diagnostic challenge; a proper correlation among clinical features, traditional MRI, and CSF dynamics analysis can lead to a correct diagnosis.

Comparison Between Ventricular and Spinal Infusion Tests in Suspected Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is an often-overlooked or misdiagnosed brain disorder characterized by overt ventriculomegaly and associated with gait disturbances, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence. If correctly diagnosed, it is considered the only form of dementia treatable with surgery, namely through a ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunt with programmable valves.Among the 856 spinal and ventricular infusion tests performed from 2001 to 2017 at our institution, we analyzed 106 cases selected for suspected normotensive hydrocephalus. In all cases, Intracranial Elastance Index (IEI) and outflow resistance (Rout) values were calculated: 52 of these patients underwent Spinal Katzman Test (SKT), and the remaining 54 underwent an intraventricular infusion test (IVKT). Of the 40 patients in the SKT group with pathological elastance (71%), 17 also had a Rout >12 mmHg and 23 a Rout <12 mmHg. Of the 50 patients in the IVKT group with pathological elastance (92%), 38 also had a Rout >12 mmHg and 12 a Rout <12 mmHg.IVKT and SKT to date represent two useful tools in the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. Despite being more invasive, IVKT, including both the intracranial elastance index (IEI) and Rout analysis, could be considered more reliable than SKT and therefore could be reserved for the most controversial cases.

The necessity of gait evaluation on the 7th day after tap tests for the idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus patients.

BACKGROUND: A tap test is established as an evaluation method to indicate shunt surgery for hydrocephalus, especially idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The timing of gait assessment after the test is still controversial, while some studies reported the effectiveness of the gait evaluation up to 2nd day after tap tests. Our study explored whether the gait evaluation on the 7th day after a tap test is necessary. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 129 consecutive cases with possible iNPH who performed gait assessment on all 1st, 3rd, and 7th days after tap tests between May 2020 and February 2022. We reviewed the following items of the patients: age, sex, modified Rankin scale, iNPH grading scale, Mini-Mental State Evaluation (MMSE), and neurological imaging. The number of probable iNPH patients who improved their gait each day after the test was analyzed. We also assessed the number of definite iNPH patients and revealed the background characteristics of the patients who showed gait improvement on the 7th day after the tests. RESULTS: Of the 129 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 57 were judged as probable iNPH on the 1st day, 28 were new on the 3rd, and 23 were new on the 7th. The number of probable iNPH patients up to the 7th day after tests was significantly more extensive than that of those up to the 3rd (108 [83.7%] vs. 85 [65.9%]; 95% confidence interval [CI], p < 0.0001). The number of definite iNPH patients was also significantly more prominent when the evaluation after the tests was performed on all of the 1st, the 3rd, and the 7th days than just on the 1st (72 vs. 42; 95% CI, p = 0.00016) or both of the 1st and the 3rd (72 vs. 61; 95% CI, p = 0.00074). No statistically significant difference existed in the patients' backgrounds except for the pre-tap test MMSE. CONCLUSION: Gait evaluation on the 7th day after tap tests, in addition to the first few days, may reduce the number of iNPH patients who miss the opportunity of getting beneficial treatment.

Association of gait and cognition after surgery in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a treatable disease in older adults. The association between gait and cognition has recently become a topic of interest. Sequential changes in this association were investigated in patients with iNPH using a newly developed statistical method. Data were extracted from the SINPHONI-2 multicenter study on iNPH. Fifty patients who underwent shunt surgery were included in this study. Gait and cognition were assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) tests. In addition to the MMSE total score, changes in the sub-item scores were examined. The ordinal sub-items of the MMSE are usually treated as continuous or categorical; however, both are unsuitable. An ordinal smoothing penalty with a generalized additive model enables precise statistical inference of ordinal and binary predictors. The TUG time improved significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The MMSE total scores increased without statistical significance. Preoperatively, there was no association between TUG time and MMSE sub-items. At 3 months, the "Registration," "3-step command," "Read," and "Copy" sub-items were statistically significant. The number of significant sub-items increased after 12 months. Thus, the association between gait and cognition gradually increased after surgery in patients with iNPH.

Levels of inflammatory cytokines MCP-1, CCL4, and PD-L1 in CSF differentiate idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus from neurodegenerative diseases.

BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammatory processes have been suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, but have rarely been investigated in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The aim of this study was to investigate whether levels of inflammatory proteins in CSF are different in iNPH compared to healthy controls and patients with selected neurodegenerative disorders, and whether any of these markers can aid in the differential diagnosis of iNPH. METHODS: Lumbar CSF was collected from 172 patients from a single center and represented iNPH (n = 74), Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 21), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD (n = 21), stable MCI (n = 22), frontotemporal dementia (n = 13), and healthy controls (HC) (n = 21). Levels of 92 inflammatory proteins were analyzed using a proximity extension assay. As a first step, differences between iNPH and HC were investigated, and proteins that differed between iNPH and HC were then compared with those from the other groups. The linear regressions were adjusted for age, sex, and plate number. RESULTS: Three proteins showed higher (MCP-1, p = 0.0013; CCL4, p = 0.0008; CCL11, p = 0.0022) and one lower (PD-L1, p = 0.0051) levels in patients with iNPH compared to HC. MCP-1 was then found to be higher in iNPH than in all other groups. CCL4 was higher in iNPH than in all other groups, except in MCI due to AD. PD-L1 was lower in iNPH compared to all other groups, except in stable MCI. Levels of CCL11 did not differ between iNPH and the differential diagnoses. In a model based on the four proteins mentioned above, the mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve used to discriminate between iNPH and the other disorders was 0.91. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory cytokines MCP-1 and CCL4 are present at higher-and PD-L1 at lower-levels in iNPH than in the other investigated diagnoses. These three selected cytokines may have diagnostic potential in the work-up of patients with iNPH.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Role of Surgical Treatment in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Although shunting has been shown to ameliorate symptoms in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has yet to be fully elucidated. Patient and caregiver subjective life satisfaction and HRQoL represent crucial indicators for assessing the well-being of individuals facing chronic illnesses, including iNPH. This study aimed to systematically analyze the existing data about HRQoL in iNPH-treated patients to evaluate the role of surgical treatment in such a scenario. METHODS: Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the literature in the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was searched. Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was used to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS: Overall, HRQoL improved significantly within 1 year after shunt placement although patients with iNPH reported worse HRQoL values compared with healthy-matched individuals. Up to 5 years after shunting, a sustained heterogeneity exists on published data showing improved scores across all domains for at least 21 months after shunting. Further, although surgical treatment can improve HRQoL, long-term follow-up showed that it remained lower than that of healthy controls. These data suggest a significant decrease of HRQoL in patients with iNPH over time after shunting, probably due to aging, comorbidities, and disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: Despite that iNPH has been recognized as a potentially reversible neurological disorder, the available data about the impact of shunting on the HRQoL are unsatisfactory. To improve the well-informed clinical decision-making, it is essential to reach additional high-quality evidence regarding the effect of shunting on HRQoL. New prospective studies, using validated instruments specifically tailored for assessing HRQoL in patients with iNPH, and improved reporting standards are needed. Current evidence suggests that although shunting can provide initial benefits, affected patients may experience long-term impairment in HRQoL.

Predictive Ability of Frontal Assessment Battery for Cognitive Improvement After Shunt Surgery in Individuals With Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: The predictive ability of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) for postoperative cognitive improvement in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is unstudied. OBJECTIVE: To compare the predictive ability of the FAB and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for postoperative cognitive improvement in individuals with iNPH after shunt surgery. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of individuals with iNPH who had shunt surgery between January 2016 and October 2018. Individuals had completed the tap test and clinical evaluations (FAB, MMSE, Timed Up and Go [TUG]) both before and 24-48 hours after CSF tapping and after surgery. We excluded individuals without complete clinical evaluations and those with shunt surgery performed >6 months after CSF tapping. Factors associated with postoperative FAB and MMSE improvement as per the 2011 iNPH guidelines were extracted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Independent variables were baseline FAB and MMSE scores, FAB and MMSE score changes and TUG amelioration rate after CSF tapping, Evans index, age, and days from CSF tapping to surgery and from surgery to postoperative assessment. RESULTS: The mean number of days from CSF tapping to surgery and from surgery to postoperative assessment were 77.5 (SD = 36.0) and 42.0 (SD = 14.5), respectively. Logistic regression analyses showed significant associations in the univariate analyses of postoperative FAB improvement with baseline FAB scores ( P = 0.043) and with FAB score changes after CSF tapping ( P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: The FAB may help predict postoperative cognitive improvement after shunt surgery better than the MMSE.

Slope until reaching the plateau: a new predictor of valve response obtained by lumbar infusion test for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is based on clinical, radiological, and hydrodynamic data of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained by invasive methods such as lumbar infusion test, which is used to determine the resistance to CSF outflow (Rout). However, Rout has limitations, and its value as predictor of valve response is questioned. Other variables can be obtained by lumbar infusion test, such as the time to reach the plateau (TRP) and the slope until reaching the plateau (SRP). The objectives were to determine if SRP could be a predictor of response to ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and what variable (Rout versus SRP) would have greater predictive value. METHOD: Patients with probable iNPH who underwent a lumbar infusion test and were indicated for a VPS were retrospectively studied. Two groups were established, responders and non-responders. Rout, TRP (period between the start of infusion until reaching the plateau measured in seconds) and SRP ((plateau pressure-opening pressure)/TRP) were obtained. For Rout and SRP, the receiver operating curves (ROC) with its areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients were included, being 86 responders (78.20%). Shunt responders had a significantly greater Rout (17.02 (14.45-20.23) versus 13.34 (12.10-16.28) mmHg/ml/min, p = 0.002) and SRP (0.049 (0.043-0.054) versus 0.031 (0.026-0.036) mmHg/sec, p < 0.001) and smaller TRP (641.28 (584.83-697.73) versus 777.65 (654.03-901.27) sec, p = 0.028) than non-responders. The AUC for SRP was greater than the AUC for Rout (0.763 (95 % CI 0.655-0.871, p < 0.001) versus 0.673 (95 % CI 0.595-0.801, p = 0.008), respectively), but the differences were not significant (p = 0.180). CONCLUSIONS: SRP could be considered predictor of response to VPS, and its accuracy tends to be better than Rout. So, this variable may be a useful tool to select shunt candidates among patients with probable iNPH.

Brain linear measurements for differentiating normal pressure hydrocephalus from Alzheimer's disease: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Easy and reliable tools for the differential diagnosis between idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study iNPH and AD patients referred to the Neurology Unit of the University of Catania from 1 January 2020 to 1 December 2022 were enrolled. The following brain linear measurements (BLMs) were calculated: Evan's index (EI), the parieto-occipital ratio (POR) and the temporal ratio (TR). For each index, sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Moreover, a cumulative index, the BLM index, was also considered. RESULTS: Fifty patients (25 iNPH and 25 AD) were enrolled. In differentiating iNPH from AD, EI had the highest AUC (0.956), POR had the highest specificity (100%) whilst TR had the highest sensitivity (92%). The BLM index differentiated iNPH and AD with a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 92% and an AUC of 0.963 with an optimal cut-off value of 0.303. CONCLUSION: Evan's index, POR and TR may be useful in the differential diagnosis between iNPH and AD. At an individual level, the BLM index represents a valid and reliable tool to achieve an accurate differentiation between these two conditions.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Diagnostics of Alzheimer's Disease in Patients with Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and a frequent comorbidity in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The presence of AD pathology is associated with worse outcomes after a shunt procedure in iNPH. Preoperative diagnosis of AD is challenging in patients with iNPH, which involves reduced concentrations of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to estimate the effect size of iNPH as a factor in CSF levels of AD biomarkers and to test if correction could be used to improve diagnostic value. METHODS: Our cohort included 222 iNPH patients with data in the Kuopio NPH registry and brain biopsy and CSF samples available. We divided the patients into groups according to AD pathology per brain biopsy. For control cohorts, we had CSF samples from cognitively healthy individuals (n = 33) and patients with diagnosed AD and no iNPH (n = 39).*-31ptResults:Levels of all investigated biomarkers differed significantly between groups, with the exception of t-Tau levels between healthy individuals and iNPH patients with AD pathology. Applying a correction factor for each biomarker (0.842*Aß1 - 42, 0.779*t-Tau, and 0.610*P-Tau181) for the effect of iNPH yielded a sensitivity of 2.4% and specificity of 100%. The ratio of P-Tau181 to Aß1 - 42 was moderately effective in aiding recognition of AD pathology in iNPH patients (sensitivity 0.79, specificity 0.76, area under the curve 0.824). CONCLUSION: Correcting for iNPH as a factor failed to improve diagnostic effectiveness, but the P-Tau181/Aß1 - 42 ratio showed some utility in the diagnosis of AD in iNPH patients.

The impact of cerebrospinal fluid shunting on quality of life in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a long-term analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) represents an insidious type of dementia considered reversible after shunt placement. Although the clinical outcome has been widely studied, few studies have reported on quality of life (QOL) after surgery. This study evaluated the long-term clinical and QOL outcomes of iNPH patients after ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) implantation. Factors influencing QOL in iNPH were also investigated. METHODS: From 2009 to 2020, a single-institution retrospective study was conducted to compare shunted iNPH patients with a homogeneous control group. QOL was analyzed using the SF-36 questionnaire with yearly follow-up for as long as 11 years. Severity of symptoms, comorbidities, and clinical data were also recorded. RESULTS: Among 187 treated patients, 15 had died at the time of the authors' evaluation, and 45 did not match the inclusion criteria. The mean ± SD (range) follow-up was 118.5 ± 4.2 (18-132) months. QOL improved in 103/130 (79%) patients through 5 years after shunt surgery, although it remained lower than that of the control group (p < 0.0001). The SF-36 score reduced progressively, reaching baseline at 5-7 years of follow-up and decreased to below baseline at 7-11 years of follow-up (p < 0.0001). Predictors of improved QOL were younger age (p < 0.001), lower body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), and better Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) performance (p < 0.001) before surgery. Decreased postoperative QOL was associated with cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and severity of symptoms (gait and cognition) at presentation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: VPS implantation, along with a strict and comprehensive follow-up, has been shown to improve QOL in iNPH patients for as long as 5 years after surgery. Younger age, lower BMI, and better MMSE score are positive predictors of improved QOL after shunt placement.