Characteristics of dysarthria and cognitive functions in patients with Parkinson's disease and Parkinson-plus syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: This study was to investigate the characteristics of dysarthria and cognitive ability of patients with Parkinson's disease and Parkinson-plus syndrome to find the key components that can differentiate these diseases. Methods: Forty-one patients (11 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease [IPD], 10 with multiple systems atrophy with predominant cerebellar ataxia [MSA-c], 10 with multiple systems atrophy with predominant Parkinsonism [MSA-p], and 10 with progressive supranuclear palsy [PSP]) participated. After controlling the motor ability in rigidity, bradykinesia, and ataxia in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale of 4 groups, dysarthria was assessed by performing tasks of prolonged phonation, diadochokinesis, and connected speech. In addition, cognitive function was measured by the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results: The age, education level, disease duration, and motor ability of patients were not significantly different. However, analysis of motor ability showed significant (p