Cognitive improvement after dual-task training in Parkinson’s disease: a follow-up study

Abstract

The reaction times of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in tests of simultaneous dual-task accuracy are dependent on the subjects’ cognitive ability. We now report that one week training on dual-task tests improved cognitive function. Forty-six PD patients were compared with 47 age matched healthy controls and 26 patients were followed for one year. Five dual-task tests consisting of a primary cognitive task to be performed simultaneously with a secondary motor task were repeated for five consecutive days. Testing was repeated after 6 and 12 months. Participants’ reaction times, including Hits and Misses, were quantified. Initial tests indicated slower reaction times in patients compared to controls, with fewer Hits and more Misses, especially in PD patients over 65 years of age. Training by daily repeated dual-task tests improved performance within 3 days (p < 0. 01 or p < 0.001), with no deterioration after 6 months. We conclude that dual-tasks are objective and sensitive tests for detecting early cognitive difficulties in PD, with improvements in both by repeated exposure to testing. A few days of testing produced cognitive improvement lasting many months. It is recommended that the use of simultaneous, dual-task testing is used to produce long-lasting improvement of cognitive function in PD patients.