Cognition and Parkinson’s Disease: The Patient’s Perspective
Concepts and categories applied to discussions of cognitive changes are unclear or can be misunderstood by patient’s, family, and even clinicians. This survey report provides a better understanding about this complex topic. This report comments on concepts related to cognition and “normal aging,” “mild cognitive impairment,” and “Parkinson’s Disease Dementia.” In this survey, the majority of participants indicated that they experience cognitive difficulties, and the report highlights many pertinent points regarding perceived changes in cognition as it relates to age and disease duration, current cognitive difficulties, and important implications related to the impact of cognitive difficulties on day-to-day functions. Information about and recommendations pertaining to cognitive functioning in individuals with PD are discussed in the report.