Abstract
Objective: The aim of this research was to elucidate the effect of deep
brain stimulation on apathy, and cognitive functions in the pre and
post-operative period. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in
Adana City Training & Research Hospital, Parkinson and Movement
Disorders Center between January to December 2022. Individuals were
evaluated by a multidisciplinary commission consisting of neurology,
neurosurgery and psychiatrists. Thirty six, aged between 18–70
years who underwent Deep Brain Stimulation at the neurosurgery clinic
were included in the study. Hamiltonanxiety and depression, apathy
assessment, standard mini-mental test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment
scales are applied to the patients. Results: The mean Apathy Score at
the pre-op was 47.77±15.83 in patients who had undergone DBS operation
while it was 30.83±13.59 in the post–op. This decrease was
statistically significant (p<0.003) and indicated clinical
improvement. The average Hamilton Anxiety scale scores at the pre–op
was 11.50±5.14, and s 10.22±5.57 at the post-op with no clinical
significance (p=0.28). The UPDRS-ON value was determined as 22.55±7.53
in the pre–op and 14.50±6.99 in the post–op significantly
(p<0.001). UPDRS-OFF was found to be significant with pre–op
37.44±9.85, compared to post–op 23.44±7.86 (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Regarding the results of this study, it was found that sub
– thalamic stimulation led to stabilization of both motor and non-motor
complications. Additionally DBS ameliorated apathy and Parkinson’s
Disease symptoms of patients significantly. Future studies with larger
sample size that focus on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological
treatments might provide better clinical aspects.