[Cognitive deterioration in Parkinson's disease].

The purpose of this study is to contrast a sampling of 20 patients diagnosed as suffering from "Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease" (mean age, 54; schooling, 8.5 years; length of disease, 6.07 years) with a healthy control group, in order to detect possible correlation between intellectual impairment and depression in the individuals affected by Parkinsonism. An integrated battery of neuropsychological testing (PIEN-Test Barcelona. Peña, 1990) was used, in conjunction with "Beck's Depression Inventory". The results show significant differences in the following areas: expressive language, complex language comprehension, motor coordination, complex visuospatial factors, verbal memory and WAIS-type intelligence factors. Discriminant analysis was performed to select the most discriminating variables. The results were as follows, beginning with the most discriminating factor: motor coordination, complex comprehension, complex visuospatial factors, math skills and an overall slowing down. The patients with the highest depression levels were found to have the greatest impairment in mental control/attention and complex comprehension.