Work

Cognitive function is associated with the progression of non-tremor motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by motor impairment which consists of tremor and non-tremor symptoms. Cognitive function may overlap with specific aspects of voluntary movement and action initiation. This study aims to investigate associations between global cognition and the severity and longitudinal progression of tremor and non-tremor motor symptoms in PD. Methods As part of the Oxford Quantification in Parkinsonism (OxQUIP) study, 84 participants with PD were tested over seven visits at three-month intervals. At each visit, participants completed standardized global cognitive (MoCA) and motor (MDS-UPDRS-III) assessments. Tremor and non-tremor motor subscores were derived from corresponding MDS-UPDRS-III items. Linear mixed-effects models were calculated to analyze the effect of global cognition at baseline on the progression of (i) overall motor impairment, (ii) non-tremor motor symptoms, and (iii) tremor symptoms. Results We did not find an association between MoCA scores and MDS-UPDRS-III severity, but there was a significant interaction between global cognition and the progression of motor impairment ( p = 0.005). Lower MoCA scores were linked with steeper progression of non-tremor motor symptoms ( p < 0.001), but not tremor symptoms ( p = 0.380). Conclusion Global cognition at baseline is associated with the progression, but not severity, of motor impairment in PD; this finding is specific to non-tremor and not tremor motor symptoms. While both motor subdomains are known to be linked with dysfunction of sub-cortical circuits, non-tremor symptoms may also be influenced by disrupted cognitive inputs. Our results highlight the potential value of incorporating cognitive tools to complement motor examination in PD assessment.

Source: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2026.1765860

Authors: Melissa C. Gibbs, Aminette D’Souza, Charalampos Sotirakis, Trevor J. Crawford, Chrystalina A. Antoniades

Institutions: John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Lancaster University

Language: English

Topic: Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801