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01-04-2013 | Neurology and Preclinical Neurological Studies - Review Article

Cognitive aspects of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease: a challenge for rehabilitation

Authors: Elke Heremans, A. Nieuwboer, J. Spildooren, J. Vandenbossche, N. Deroost, E. Soetens, E. Kerckhofs, S. Vercruysse

Published in: Journal of Neural Transmission | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a very disabling symptom affecting up to half of the patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Evidence is accumulating that FOG is caused by a complex interplay between motor, cognitive and affective factors, rather than being a pure motor phenomenon. In the current paper, we review the evidence on the specific role of cognitive factors in FOG. Results from behavioral studies show that patients with FOG experience impairments in executive functioning and response selection which predict that motor learning may be compromised. Brain imaging studies strengthen the neural basis of a potential association between FOG and cognitive impairment, but do not clarify whether it is a primary or secondary determinant of FOG. A FOG-related reduction of cognitive resources implies that adaptation of rehabilitation interventions is indicated for patients with FOG to promote the consolidation of learning.

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Title: Cognitive aspects of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease: a challenge for rehabilitation
Authors: Elke Heremans
A. Nieuwboer
J. Spildooren
J. Vandenbossche
N. Deroost
E. Soetens
E. Kerckhofs
S. Vercruysse
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Journal of Neural Transmission / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 0300-9564
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1463
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-012-0964-y

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Cognitive aspects of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease: a challenge for rehabilitation

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