Basal ganglia and beyond: The interplay between motor and cognitive aspects in Parkinson's disease rehabilitation

Davide Ferrazzoli*, Paola Ortelli, Graziella Madeo, Nir Giladi, Giselle M. Petzinger, Giuseppe Frazzitta

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by motor and cognitive dysfunctions, affecting the motor behaviour. We summarize evidence that the interplay between motor and cognitive approaches is crucial in PD rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is complementary to pharmacological therapy and effective in reducing the PD disturbances, probably acting by inducing neuroplastic effects. The motor behaviour results from a complex integration between cortical and subcortical areas, underlying the motor, cognitive and motivational aspects of movement. The close interplay amongst these areas makes possible to learn, control and express habitual-automatic actions, which are dysfunctional in PD. The physiopathology of PD could be considered the base for the development of effective rehabilitation treatments. As the volitional action control is spared in early-medium stages of disease, rehabilitative approaches engaging cognition permit to achieve motor benefits and appear to be the most effective for PD. We will point out data supporting the relevance of targeting both motor and cognitive aspects in PD rehabilitation. Finally, we will discuss the role of cognitive engagement in motor rehabilitation for PD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)294-308
Number of pages15
JournalNeuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume90
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2018

Keywords

  • Learning, executive functions
  • Motor-cognitive interplay
  • Multidisciplinary approach
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Rehabilitation

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