Are Cognitive Symptoms Part of the Phenotypic Spectrum of Idiopathic Adult-Onset Dystonia? Summary of Evidence from Controlled Studies

Abstract

Background: Cognitive dysfunction has been reported in idiopathic adult-onset dystonia (IAOD), but whether this is a primary or secondary component of the disorder remains uncertain. Objective: Here, we aimed to analyze the key domains of abnormal cognitive performance in IAOD and whether this is associated with motor or mood changes. Methods: Article selection for our critical review was guided by PRISMA guidelines (mesh terms “dystonia” and “cognitive,” publication period: 2000–2022). Only peer-reviewed, English-language original case–control studies involving patients with IAOD who were not exposed to dopamine- or acetylcholine-modulating agents and validated cognitive assessments were included. Results: Abstract screening ultimately yielded 22 articles for full-text review and data extraction. A greater proportion of studies (17 of 22, 82%) reported abnormal cognitive performance in IAOD. Most of these studies focused on blepharospasm (BSP) and cervical dystonia (10 and 14, respectively). Most studies reporting cognitive impairment (11 of 17) identified multidomain impairment in cognition. Executive functions were the domain most frequently explored (14 of 22 studies), 79% of which detected worse performance in people with dystonia. Results related to other domains were inconclusive. Cognitive abnormalities were independent of motor symptoms in most studies (7 of 12) that explored this relationship and independent of mood status in all 8 that investigated this. Conclusions: Within IAOD, cognitive dysfunction (in particular, executive dysfunction) has been documented mainly in BSP and cervical dystonia. More comprehensive testing is warranted to assess abnormalities in other domains and in other forms of IAOD, as well as to evaluate longitudinal progression of cognitive disturbances in this condition.