<p> The current study examined archival-data collected prior to and following subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) to ascertain cognitive effects. Memory, a cognitive domain potentially impacted by STN DBS, is an area of continued interest and documenting its effects following DBS surgery using the California Verbal Learning Test second edition (CVLT-II) has practical value. The CVLT-II was administered as part of a neuropsychological assessment and the CVLT-II data was assessed in terms of pre-post memory function for DBS patients. Qualitative data attained from an interview with participants at a Midwest outpatient hospital prior to and following surgery was analyzed to gain insight in relation to the individuals lived experience of long-term health, wellness, and quality of life. The quantitative data analysis revealed there was no difference between participant's pre-DBS CVLT-II memory scores and post-DBS CVLT-II memory scores. The qualitative data analysis based on the five interviews conducted with individuals diagnosed with PD and their experience prior to and following STN DBS surgery revealed three central themes with several subcomponents to each. These themes encompassed (a) Impact of the disease with subcomponents of dealing with the disease and unpredictability's impact on social interactions, (b) Individual experiences of PD with subcomponents of emotions including fear, hope and humor, loss of independence and regaining normality, and sense of self, and (c) Lived Experience post DBS with subcomponents of medication changes, sleep, regaining lost abilities, surprises and disappointments, and future possibilities and advice for PD patients.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3645526 |
| Date | 21 November 2014 |
| Creators | Miller, Nichole K. |
| Publisher | The Chicago School of Professional Psychology |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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