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Age-related changes in cognitive function and postural control in Parkinson’s disease

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Abstract

Background and aims

This study objectively analyzed postural instability and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and a group of healthy elderly and middle-aged individuals.

Methods

The study included ten healthy middle-aged individuals (range 42–57 years), 14 healthy elderly individuals (range 60–90 years) and 15 PD patients (range 58–93 years). Center of pressure (COP) parameters were determined by means of computed static posturography during free standing with open and closed eyes. The level of cognitive functioning was examined with mini mental state examination (MMSE) and counting backwards test (CBT).

Results

Parkinson’s disease patients showed significantly lower MMSE scores compared to healthy middle-aged (p = 0.004) and elderly individuals (p = 0.03). Mean duration of CBT in PD patients was significantly longer than in healthy subjects. COP parameters correlated with age of subjects and cognitive function (MMSE score). No significant differences in any stabilographic parameters were observed between healthy elderly subjects and PD patients.

Conclusions

Age is the most significant factor impacting upon the static balance of older individuals during free standing. Compared to middle-aged and elderly individuals without central nervous system impairment, patients with PD present with significant delay in cognitive processes associated with executive function.

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Conflict of interest

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, ul. M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland

    Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska, Paweł Zalewski, Jacek J. Klawe & Joanna Pawlak

  2. Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Karłowicza 24, 85-092, Bydgoszcz, Poland

    Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe

  3. Department and Clinic of Geriatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland

    Kornelia Kędziora-Kornatowska

  4. Institute for Ageing and Health, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK

    Julia L. Newton

Authors
  1. Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska
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  2. Paweł Zalewski
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  3. Jacek J. Klawe
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  4. Joanna Pawlak
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  5. Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe
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  6. Kornelia Kędziora-Kornatowska
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  7. Julia L. Newton
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska.

Additional information

M. Zawadka-Kunikowska and P. Zalewski should be considered as joint first authors.

K. Kędziora-Kornatowska and J. L. Newton should be considered as joint senior authors.

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Zawadka-Kunikowska, M., Zalewski, P., Klawe, J.J. et al. Age-related changes in cognitive function and postural control in Parkinson’s disease. Aging Clin Exp Res 26, 505–510 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-014-0209-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-014-0209-z

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