Oxytocin significantly enhances GABAergic transmission in the central amygdala of alcohol-naïve and alcohol-dependent female rats.

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is a widely-established treatment of advanced, levodopa-responsive, fluctuating Parkinson's disease (PD). While several short-term follow-up studies of patients treated with STN-DBS showed continuous effect on motor symptoms, a progression of non-motor symptoms, including development of dementia was found. Cognitive changes are common in PD and several studies have shown that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be seen early in the course of the disease and may be an indication of the development of dementia. As the disease progresses, most patients develop dementia. Depression is also a common finding amongst patients with PD throughout disease development and has a substantial impact on patients’ quality of life. Little is known of the long-term effects of STN-DBS on cognition, and an evaluation must take into consideration the progression of disease as well as the background risk of dementia. Patients undergo neuropsychological examination to rule out dementia in the evaluation for DBS surgery, allowing some cognitive impairment. The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term cognitive changes following STN-DBS through an analysis of neuropsychological data before and after surgery including a long-term follow-up assessment after more than 8 years.