How to advance the pharmacological management of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is a common non-motor symptom in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and is associated to poor clinical outcomes. Currently, rivastigmine is the only approved medication for PD dementia, and there are no treatments available for people with PD and mild cognitive impairment. To advance the pharmacological management of cognitive impairment in PD, it is essential to optimize clinical trial design. This includes refining cognitive outcome measures, ensuring longer study durations, and incorporating PD-specific cognitive assessments. Biomarkers offer valuable opportunities for screening, stratification, enrichment, and monitoring in trials, increasing the likelihood of detecting treatment effects. Additionally, adopting patient-centered approaches that prioritize inclusivity can enhance trial validity and address the current lack of diversity in PD studies. Digital cognitive assessments offer a promising tool for improving participation and enabling longitudinal monitoring, especially in underrepresented and mobility-challenged populations. By tackling these challenges, this review outlines strategies for advancing the pharmacological management of cognitive impairment in PD. It emphasizes the need for precise, inclusive, and biomarker-driven trials to accelerate drug development.