Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease: systematic review protocol

Background: Cognitive impairment is a significant, yet often overlooked, non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease, and a strong predictor of quality of life for those affected. Despite the availability of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for Parkinson’s disease, their efficacy for the cognitive symptoms of the disease specifically is unclear, as no ‘gold standard’ treatment strategy for cognitive impairment in the disease has yet emerged. Further, a comparative understanding of the efficacy of each of these treatment options is severely lacking. 

Aims: This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease. 

Method: A comprehensive systematic search will be conducted to identify studies involving participants clinically diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease that assess non-pharmacological interventions targeting cognitive impairment. If feasible, results will be synthesised using meta-analysis; otherwise, narrative synthesis will be used. 

Results: Results will be synthesised using meta-analysis and, where meta-analysis is not feasible, narrative synthesis. 

Conclusions: The findings from this review will provide critical insight into the efficacy of non-pharmacological treatment options for cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease, which may help to influence clinical recommendations for the treatment of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease and highlight existing gaps in the literature.