Parkinson's disease is a brain disease that occurs when cells in the area of the brain that controls movement become damaged or destroyed. As a result, the brain produces less of the chemical dopamine. Common symptoms of the condition, including tremors and muscle stiffness, occur due to low dopamine levels.
Parkinson’s disease dementia is a form of dementia that occurs in some people who have Parkinson’s disease. Individuals who develop Parkinson’s disease dementia may struggle to remember things, focus on tasks, make decisions or solve problems.
As many as 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease will develop dementia at some point. The disease is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. In most cases, dementia symptoms develop after movement-related symptoms. The average onset of cognitive problems due to Parkinson’s disease is 10 years after diagnosis.
Experts don’t fully understand how Parkinson’s disease causes dementia, but research has revealed what changes in the brain lead to symptoms. As the condition progresses, deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein build up in the brain and interfere with the transmission of messages between nerve cells.
The common name for these brain deposits is Lewy bodies. You may have heard this term before in relation to another type of dementia, Lewy body dementia. People with Lewy body dementia experience problems with cognition similar to those with Parkinson’s disease, and they may eventually have difficulty moving. The difference between Parkinson’s disease dementia and Lewy body dementia is that movement symptoms usually begin first with Parkinson’s, while they typically start after the cognitive signs in Lewy body dementia.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease dementia can vary from person to person and may be mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:
There's no cure for Parkinson’s disease or dementia associated with it, and research has yet to reveal any interventions that can decrease the risk of a person with Parkinson’s disease developing dementia. However, there are treatments that can help manage some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease dementia, including:
If you have Parkinson’s disease, there’s no way to predict whether you'll develop dementia symptoms in the future. Fortunately, you can take steps now and plan ahead to help you and your family cope if you do. Here are some things to consider doing.
Making arrangements for the future now can reduce stress as time passes. Consider naming a trustworthy person your power of attorney to handle your finances when necessary. You may also wish to create a living will and advance directives so your family members will know what type of care you wish to receive if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself one day.
Coping with Parkinson’s disease can bring significant stress as well as feelings of depression and anxiety. Consider joining a support group to connect with other people living with Parkinson’s. You may also want to seek therapy with a licensed mental health professional so you can talk about your thoughts and feelings and get support.
Discuss Parkinson’s disease dementia with your health care provider now, and follow your treatment plan for the condition carefully. If you begin to notice any symptoms of dementia, let your health care provider know right away; you can then begin treatments as soon as possible.
Many people with Parkinson’s disease benefit from the support and assistance a senior living community provides. A community that offers both assisted living accommodations and memory care, such as Bethesda Gardens Loveland, can be a good option for those with Parkinson’s disease who may one day experience dementia. Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about how we can help you and your family.
