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Signs & Symptoms of Dementia Associated With Parkinson's Disease

Dementia is caused by disease that affects the brain. It affects a person's day-to-day life, particularly by damaging their short-term memory and general comprehension. Parkinson's disease affects the central nervous system, leading to slow movements and rigid muscles. People with Parkinson's disease and dementia are often at a further disadvantage because of an inability to express themselves verbally or through facial expressions.

  1. Facts

    • Approximately 20 percent of patients with Parkinson's disease go on to develop Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD), a neurological disorder that weakens the nervous system. There are over 50 conditions that involve dementia, and PDD is one of the least common types. Although there is no existing cure for PDD, certain conditions and medication can control the symptoms to some degree.

    Signs

    • According to HelpGuide.org, patients with Parkinson's disease who develop dementia may display symptoms such as the following: memory problems, distractibility, confusion, moodiness, slowed thinking, hallucinations, disorientation or lack of motivation. A person with Parkinson's who has symptoms of hallucinations and motor control issues is more likely to develop dementia. It typically takes 10 to 15 years after a Parkinson's diagnosis for dementia to come into effect.

    Causes

    • Dementia is not necessarily caused by Parkinson's. If signs of dementia include language problems, agitation or delusions, the cause may be an underactive thyroid or a vitamin deficiency. Parkinson's patients often develop depression, which can have similar symptoms to that of dementia. Additionally, patients may develop Alzheimer's dementia, which is treated with different medications than Parkinson's-related dementia. A neurologist is best-qualified to determine which type of dementia a patient has.

    Misconceptions

    • PDD should not be confused with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). Patients with DLB will exhibit variations in alertness and attention, recurring hallucinations and motor symptoms similar to Parkinson's, like loss of spontaneous movement. Hallucinations generally set in early in the disease's development, before difficulties with motor control begin to occur. Occasionally, normal signs of aging, like forgetfulness, are confused with dementia, especially because elderly people over the age of 85 are at a higher risk for dementia.

    Treatment

    • Some medications used to treat Parkinson's can intensify the symptoms of PDD, so a carefully designed treatment program is essential. Conversely, by adjusting medication to improve the symptoms of PDD, a patient may notice an increase in the signs of Parkinson's. There is evidence that some anti-dementia drugs such as Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl can help to reduce hallucinations and behavioral problems in people with PDD.

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