What to Know About Parkinson’s Disease & Dementia

Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a neurologist or geriatric psychiatrist, who specializes in neurodegenerative conditions. Here are the general steps involved in obtaining a PDD diagnosis:

Medical History and Physical Examination: The process often begins with a detailed medical history interview, where the healthcare provider gathers information about the individual’s symptoms, medical history, medications, and family history. A thorough physical examination is also conducted to assess motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.

• Neuropsychological Assessment: A neuropsychological evaluation may be performed to assess cognitive function including a series of standardized tests that evaluate memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive domains.
• Brain Imaging: Neuroimaging studies, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, may be ordered to rule out other causes of cognitive decline and to evaluate the brain’s structure.
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to rule out medical conditions that can mimic dementia or contribute to cognitive impairment, like thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.
• Evaluation of Parkinson’s Disease: If your loved one has not already been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, an assessment of motor symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement), will be performed.
• Cognitive Assessment: Formal cognitive assessment tools, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), may be administered to assess the severity of cognitive impairment.
• Assessment of Daily Functioning: The healthcare provider may inquire about the person’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) to evaluate functional impairment.
• Differential Diagnosis: The healthcare provider will consider other potential causes of cognitive decline, like Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, or Vascular dementia, and work to distinguish PDD from these conditions.
• Consultation and Collaboration: In some cases, a team of specialists, including neurologists, neuropsychologists, and geriatric psychiatrists, may collaborate to make a definitive diagnosis.
• Follow-Up and Monitoring: After a PDD diagnosis is established, ongoing monitoring and care management are crucial. Medications and therapies may be prescribed to manage symptoms and improve the individual’s quality of life.

It’s important for those experiencing cognitive changes to get a medical evaluation promptly, as early diagnosis and intervention can lead to more effective management and support for those living with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia.