As mentioned in the previous article on Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD) shares the causative factor of abnormal alpha-synuclein deposits--also called Lewy Bodies. There are, however, significant differences in presentation from onset to progressive stages.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Unlike LBD, Parkinson's Dementia (PDD) first manifests as motor symptoms, including:
Tremors
Muscular stiffness
Rigidity
Problems with balance
Loss of mobility
Retarded movement
These characteristics at onset provide a clear enough picture for healthcare providers to make a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. A diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD) is validated when cognitive decline begins at least a year after onset of physical symptoms. Symptoms of the cognitive decline associated with PDD include:
Memory loss
Visual difficulties
Deficits in concentration and judgment
Speech dysfunction--especially muffled speech
Depression
Irritability and anxiety
Sleep disturbances--especially REM Sleep Disorder
Delusions and/or visual hallucinations
Treatment & Prognosis
There are currently pharmaceutical regimens available to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD). The major challenge with these options is that the use of antipsychotics and medication designed to mitigate movement symptoms may result in hypersensitivity on the part of patients. Additionally, the use of these options must be carefully monitored because these pharmaceuticals--especially when used in combination--may serve to aggravate or heighten other symptoms.
Parkinson's Disease Dementia falls into the category of progressive diseases. This means that the disease will get worse over time, eventually resulting in death; however, the rate of progression is highly variable and as individual as the patient.
Lists in this article adapted from Earlstein, F. (2016). Dementia Facts & Information. NRB Publishing: Nevada.
For more resources and references on Parkinson's Disease Dementia, see the following:
Parkinson's Disease News & Research: https://www.drcarlforkner.com/dementia-memory-news