Electrophysiological and neuropsychological assessment of cognition in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 patients: a pilot study.

Background: Event-related potentials (ERPs) reflect cognitive processing: negative early components (N100, N200) are involved in the sensory and perceptual processing of a stimulus, whereas late positive component P300 requires conscious attention. Both neuropsychological and affective disorders are present in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), but the underlying mechanisms need further clarification.

Materials And Methods: In this pilot study, we assessed cognitive processing by recording auditory ERPs in 16 consecutive SCA1 patients and 16 healthy controls (HC) matched for age and sex.

Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion Therapy: Focus on Gait and Balance.

Background: Gait and balance disorders in advanced Parkinson's disease (aPD) heavily impact the disease burden. In this prospective observational open-label study, our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion on balance and gait over a long-term follow-up.

Methods: The motor status of 15 aPD patients with balance and gait symptoms was assessed with UPDRS (I-IV) and H&Y at baseline in OFF and ON conditions, and after 52 weeks of LCIG infusion.