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February 10, 2012
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Parkinson Disease Dementia (cont.)

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Exams and Tests

There is no definitive medical test that confirms cognitive decline or dementia in Parkinson's 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.

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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 Medscape Reference »

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