Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
A form of major or mild neurocognitive disorder that develops in the context of established Parkinson’s disease, involving decline in thinking and memory.
Overview
Parkinson’s disease dementia, a form of major or mild neurocognitive disorder, develops in individuals with an established diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, typically after years of predominantly motor symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include slowed thinking, difficulty with planning and attention, visual-spatial difficulties, and, in some cases, visual hallucinations, alongside existing motor symptoms. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Parkinson’s disease dementia is related to the same underlying neurodegenerative process affecting movement in Parkinson’s disease, which also comes to affect cognitive brain regions.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Structured cognitive and physical activity, along with caregiver support programs, may help support functioning.
Medication
Certain medications may offer modest cognitive benefit; medication choices require careful coordination given sensitivity to some drug classes. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
Close coordination between neurology and caregiving support is important as both motor and cognitive symptoms progress.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
The condition is progressive; the rate of decline varies by individual.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institutes of Health.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.