Simultaneous Stimulation of the Globus Pallidus Interna and the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert in the Parkinson-Dementia Syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The prevalence of cognitive symptoms in recently diagnosed Parkinson's disease (PD) patients may be as high as 60%. We report a novel deep brain stimulation (DBS) strategy targeting both motor and cognitive symptoms.

METHODS: A PD patient diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment underwent DBS surgery targeting the globus pallidus interna (GPi; to treat motor symptoms) and the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM; to treat cognitive symptoms) using a single electrode per hemisphere.

RESULTS: Compared to baseline, 2-month follow-up after GPi stimulation was associated with motor improvements, whereas partial improvements in cognitive functions were observed 3 months after the addition of NBM stimulation to GPi stimulation.

CONCLUSION: This case explores an available alternative for complete DBS treatment in PD, stimulating 2 targets at different frequencies with a single electrode lead.