Brain Activity, Cognitive Function, and Walking Ability in Parkinson's Disease

Brain Activity, Cognitive Function, and Walking Ability in People With Parkinson's Disease

The dual-task automated walking performance in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) is affected by their gait disturbances and impaired executive functions. Currently, the relationship between brain activity related to inhibitory control, executive functions, and dual-task walking performance in people with PD is not well understood. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the significance of different executive function domains on gait stability in healthy older adults and people with PD; whether brain activation related to inhibitory control is associated with gait stability in healthy older adults and people with PD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnoses of idiopathic Parkinson disease
• Stable dopaminergic medicine ≥ 2 weeks
• Able to walk 10 meters without aid
• Mini-Mental Status Examination ≥ 24 points
• No uncorrected visual or auditory disorders
• Education at least junior high school
• No other disease may affect balance

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other medical diagnoses of neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiopulmonary disorders
• History of brain surgery (e.g. deep brain stimulation)