Transcranial direct current stimulation in early-onset Parkinson’s disease

Introduction. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a novel adjunctive method for treating Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms. However, its efficacy and safety in patients with early-onset PD remain insufficiently studied.

Aim. To evaluate the effect of a course of anodal tDCS on motor, cognitive, and affective functions in patients with earlyonset PD.

Materials and methods. In this prospective study, five patients (aged 37–49 years) with clinically confirmed PD (mean disease duration 3.3 ± 4.7 years) were included. All patients received standard antiparkinsonian therapy and a course of 10 anodal tDCS sessions (2 mA, 20 min each, daily for 2 weeks). Motor function (UPDRS-III), cognitive status (MoCA, FAB, TMT-A/B), and affective measures (Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Apathy Scale) were assessed before and after the course.

Results. After completing the tDCS course, the mean UPDRS-III score significantly decreased by 19–20 % (p < 0.05), indicating improved motor function. Cognitive (MoCA, FAB, TMT) and affective (BDI, STAI, Apathy Scale) scores improved slightly but not significantly. No adverse events or dropouts occurred, the procedures were well tolerated by all participants.

Conclusion. These results suggest potential efficacy and a high safety profile of anodal tDCS as an adjunctive therapy in earlyonset PD. As a non-invasive, easily administered technique, tDCS is a promising tool for neuromodulation and rehabilitation in PD. However, further larger randomized trials with long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings.

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