Cognitive Decline in Non-demented PD

Cognitive Dysfunction in PD: Pathophysiology and Potential Treatments, a Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between attention and quality of life and how rivastigmine and atomoxetine alter attention in non-demented persons with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Cognitive dysfunction can occur in early stage of Parkinson's disease (PD) and increases as PD progresses. Attention deficits in PD patients with dementia strongly predict the impairment of their daily living activities.

Previous studies have shown that atomoxetine improves PD executive dysfunction and rivastigmine improves attention deficits in PD patients with dementia without worsening the motor symptoms.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of atomoxetine and rivastigmine on attention and quality of life in PD patients without disabling cognitive impairment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
• Respond to levodopa therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dementia
• Psychiatric disorders including anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia and related disorders, or ADD/ADHD
• Any clinically unstable disease such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, heart condition, liver disease, kidney or renal failure or others that might require hospitalization
• Evidence for another neurological disease (history of seizures, Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis or other movement disorders);
• Currently using any of the study drugs;
• Colorblindness