In the previous two articles found on our blog we reviewed the origins of Parkinson's disease and the 5 stages of Parkinson's disease. Today we will review what happens to both memory and cognitive abilities during Parkinson's Disease. We will also review a few terms that define cognitive and memory decline in individuals diagnosed with the disease.
There are two diagnosis that some Parkinson's disease individuals also receive. The first is called mild cognitive impairment or MCI. Mild cognitive impairment includes trouble paying attention, concentrating, multitasking, problem solving, or seeing information three dimensionally. The treatment for MCI is to keep the brain active with activities and games. Also working with occupational therapists and speech therapists can help. (Memory & Thinking Changes, 2024)
When these same symptoms begin to affect the individuals daily activities the individual is then diagnosed with Dementia Disease. Dementia diagnosed alongside Parkinson's Disease is called PDD. Medication is used to reduce the symptoms. While symptoms can be reduced there is no cure for either Parkinson's or Dementia.
Caregivers can help. A caregiver can be hired to help with mobility and reminders throughout the day. Caregivers can help with morning routine including transfers, meal prep, medication reminders, and all other traditional caregiver duties. To start to coordinate your care today click here and complete a simple care plan form. Once this form is complete you will receive a call or text to schedule an in home visit.
References:
Memory & Thinking Changes. (2024). The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research | Parkinson’s Disease. https://www.michaeljfox.org/symptoms/memory-thinking-changes