Objective: To systematically evaluate and quantitatively synthesize evidence on the effect of Aripiprazole on cognitive functions in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Background: Cognitive impairment is a common non-motor manifestation of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that substantially affects functional independence and quality of life. Dopaminergic and serotonergic pathway dysregulation contributes to deficits in executive function, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic with partial agonist activity at dopamine D2 receptors, has been hypothesized to modulate cognitive performance through its unique neuropharmacological profile.

Method: This review followed PRISMA guidelines with a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies assessing cognitive outcomes in PD patients treated with Aripiprazole were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted using ROB2 and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale tools. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan.

Results: Nine studies including 751 PD patients met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated that Aripiprazole was associated with significant improvements in working memory (SMD 0.48, 95% CI [0.18, 0.78], p=0.002) and cognitive flexibility, as reflected by Trails A performance (SMD −0.27, 95% CI [−0.49, −0.05], p=0.02) and reduced perseverative errors on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (SMD −0.42, 95% CI [−0.69, −0.15], p=0.003). No significant effects were observed in verbal learning, verbal fluency, Trails B performance, or WAIS-R Digit Symbol scores.

Conclusion: Aripiprazole may offer selective cognitive benefits in Parkinson’s disease, particularly in domains of working memory and executive flexibility. These findings suggest a potential adjunctive role for Aripiprazole in addressing cognitive dysfunction in PD, warranting further targeted clinical investigation.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/efficacy-of-aripiprazole-on-cognitive-functions-in-parkinsons-disease-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis/