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Background: Freezing of gait (FOG), is associated with impairment of different cognitive functions. Previous studies hypothesized that FOG may be due to a loss of automaticity. Research question: To explore whether FOG is associated with impairment in cognitive functions, focusing on retrograde procedural memory, the memory responsible for the automatic, implicit stored procedures that have been acquired in earlier life stages. Methods: In this cross-sectional, case--control study, 288 people with typical Parkinson's disease (PD) from the Luxembourg Parkinson's Study were assigned to Freezers (FOG+) and non-Freezers (FOG-) based on the MDS-UPDRS 2.13 (self- reported FOG episodes) and 3.11 (FOG evaluated by clinicians during gait assessment). Both groups were matched on age, sex and disease duration. Global cognition (MoCA), retrograde procedural memory and visuo-constructive abilities (CUPRO), psychomotor speed and mental flexibility (TMT) were assessed. Furthermore, we repeated our analyses by additionally controlling for depression (BDI-I). Results: Besides lower global cognition (MoCA; p = 0.007) and mental flexibility (TMT-B and Delta-TMT; p < 0.001), FOG+ showed a lower performance in retrograde procedural memory (CUPRO-IS1; p < 0.001) compared to FOG-. After controlling additionally for depression, our main outcome variable CUPRO-IS1 remained significantly lower in FOG+ (p = 0.010). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that besides lower global cognition and mental flexibility scores, FOG+ showed lower performance in retrograde procedural memory compared to matched FOG-control patients, even when accounting for factors such as age, sex, disease duration or depression. Significance: In the context of limited treatment options, especially for non-invasive therapeutic approaches, these insights on procedural memory and FOG may lead to new hypotheses on FOG etiology and consequently the development of new treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With continuously aging societies, an increase in the number of people with cognitive decline is to be expected. Aside from the development of causative treatments, the successful implementation of prevention strategies is of utmost importance to reduce the high societal burden caused by neurodegenerative diseases leading to dementia among which the most common cause is Alzheimer's disease. Objective: The aim of the Luxembourgish "programme dementia prevention (pdp)" is to prevent or at least delay dementia in an at-risk population through personalized multi-domain lifestyle interventions. The current work aims to provide a detailed overview of the methodology and presents initial results regarding the cohort characteristics and the implementation process. Methods: In the frame of the pdp, an extensive neuropsychological evaluation and risk factor assessment are conducted for each participant. Based on the results, individualized multi-domain lifestyle interventions are suggested. Results: A total number of 450 participants (Mean age = 69.5 years; SD = 10.8) have been screened at different recruitment sites throughout the country, among whom 425 participants (94.4%) met the selection criteria. Conclusions: We provide evidence supporting the feasibility of implementing a nationwide dementia prevention program and achieving successful recruitment of the target population by establishing a network of different healthcare providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]