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Dementia Caused by Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a central nervous system disorder that over time slows movement, causes imbalance, tremors and muscle rigidity. More than 1.5 million people in the U.S. are affected by this progressive and debilitating disease. Parkinson's disease is usually diagnosed in people over age 50. Some Parkinson's patients suffer from a secondary disorder called Parkinson's Disease Dementia.

  1. Parkinson's Related Dementia is Not Uncommon

    • An estimated 20 percent of the people afflicted with Parkinson's will at some point during the course of the disorder become diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PPD).

    PPD May Take Years to Surface

    • Patients who succumb to Parkinson's related dementia typically show no signs of PDD until at least 10 years after their primary disorder was diagnosed.

    Patients at High Risk for PDD

    • A Parkinson's patient who has suffered more acute motor control issues and had hallucinatory symptoms is more likely to be susceptible to dementia.

      Additional risk factors include a score higher than 25 on a Parkinson Disease rating scale that physicians use to measure the progress of the disorder, and being over 70 years old.

    Common signs of PDD

    • There are several symptoms a patient with Parkinson's disease may exhibit to indicate the presence of PDD. The list includes slowed thinking and confusion, memory problems, distractibility, moodiness and hallucinations

    Why PDD Occurs

    • It is generally believed that dementia in Parkinson's patients is not a direct result of the central nervous system disorder.

      Some sufferers of Parkinson's and dementia have brain alterations similar to people with Alzheimer disease.

    Other Possible Causes of Dementia Type Symptoms

    • When symptoms such as agitation, delusions and language difficulties are present, your doctor may investigate whether a sluggish thyroid or Vitamin B-12 deficiency may be imitating symptoms of dementia.

    Family Members at Higher Risk for Dementia

    • A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic in 2007 found that immediate relatives of people who have Parkinson's disease are at a much higher risk of developing dementia than people who do not have close relatives with the disease.

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