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Dementia Due to Parkinson's Disease

Patients suffering from Parkinson's disease sometimes develop dementia, although it is not one of the more common symptoms. It is called Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD).

  1. Incidence

    • Dementia occurs in about 20 percent of those who have Parkinson's, usually 10 to 15 years following diagnosis of Parkinson's.

    Risk Factors

    • Patients who have more serious motor control problems and hallucinations are at higher risk for PDD.

    Symptoms

    • PDD symptoms include poor memory, confusion, disorientation, moodiness and hallucinations.

    Alzheimer's Dementia

    • Other conditions affecting elderly patients can also produce dementia symptoms. One of these is Alzheimer's disease, whose dementia can be characterized by language difficulties and agitation. A patient can have Alzheimer's and Parkinson's at the same time.

    Consult a Specialist

    • A neurologist can test for and differentiate among types of dementia. It's important to get this done because it can affect treatment and prognosis.

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