Font Size
A
A
A

Parkinson Disease Dementia (cont.)

Exams and Tests

There is no definitive medical test that confirms cognitive decline or dementia in Parkinson disease. The most accurate way to measure cognitive decline is through neuropsychological testing.

  • The testing involves answering questions and performing tasks that have been carefully designed for this purpose. It is carried out by a specialist in this kind of testing.

  • Neuropsychological testing addresses the individual’s appearance, mood, anxiety level, and experience of delusions or hallucinations.

  • It assesses cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, orientation to time and place, use of language, and abilities to carry out various tasks and follow instructions.

  • Reasoning, abstract thinking, and problem solving are tested.

  • Neuropsychological testing gives a more accurate diagnosis of the problems and thus can help in treatment planning.

  • The tests are repeated periodically to see how well treatment is working and check for new problems.

Imaging studies: Generally, brain scans such as CT scan and MRI are of little use in diagnosing dementia in people with PD. Positron-emission tomographic (PET) scan may help distinguish dementia from depression and similar conditions in PD.



Next: Parkinson Disease Dementia Treatment »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

WebMD Daily

Get breaking medical news.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Parkinson Disease Dementia »

Parkinson disease (Parkinson's disease, PD) is a disabling, progressive condition that is predominantly thought of as a movement disorder.

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary