Oct 19, 2016
KINGSTON, N.J., The Parkinson Alliance conducted its 21st
survey-based research, entitled Cognition
and Parkinson's Disease: The Patient's Perspective. Changes in thinking skills are common in
people with Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly involving slowness of
thinking, memory, "word-finding difficulties," and managing more
complex information. Although our understanding about changes in thinking
skills for those with PD continues to increase, there is limited understanding
about how individuals with PD perceive cognitive difficulties and the related
impact on "everyday activities." Concepts and categories
applied to discussions of cognitive changes are unclear or can be misunderstood
by patients, family, and even clinicians. This survey found that the
majority of participants (82%) were experiencing cognitive difficulties, and
this report provides a better understanding about this complex topic.
Data was gathered from 1,548 individuals with
PD. The most frequently reported cognitive difficulties involved memory
and expressive language skills, followed by slowed processing speed and
difficulties with executive functioning. Slowed processing speed and
increased difficulties with executive functions were perceived as the most
pronounced changes as PD progresses. The majority of participants
reported experiencing an adverse impact of cognition on daily functions, with
22% (Younger and Early Disease Duration PD Group) to 43% (Older and Late
Advanced PD Group) reported a moderate to extreme impact of cognitive
difficulties on daily functions.
"Neuroscientists have become increasingly aware
that cognitive dysfunction is not only an expected change for many individuals
with PD, it can also be one of the most concerning and debilitating
symptoms. Therefore, understanding patients' perspectives about their
experiences has important implications for healthcare practices, particularly
in the context of a "patient-centered" approach to care. This
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. Recommendations pertaining to
cognitive functioning in individuals with PD are also discussed," comments
Jeffrey Wertheimer, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, clinical neuropsychologist and Chief
Research Consultant for The Parkinson Alliance.
Download our cognition report at: www.dbs4pd.org.
About
The Parkinson Alliance
The Parkinson
Alliance is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising
funds for Parkinson's research and improving the quality of life in the DBS
community. After undergoing bi-lateral DBS in 2000, Margaret Tuchman,
President of PA, founded DBS4PD.org to keep the community informed.
Contact
Carol Walton
CEO
The Parkinson Alliance
1-800-579-8440
SOURCE The Parkinson Alliance
Related Links
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-examines-patient-perceptions-of-cognitive-changes-in-parkinsons-disease-300347617.html
No comments:
Post a Comment