The psychological deficits associated with Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition of later life characterized by symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and akinesia. The aim of the present review is to describe the neurological features and the psychological deficits associated with Parkinsonism. Although PD is primarily a disease of the basal ganglia, and motor disabilities dominate the clinical picture, it is apparent that the neuroanatomical damage sustained by these patients is not confined to subcortical structures, and that dementia or other cognitive impairments may occur. Neuropsychological testing has confirmed that the incidence of dementia and more subtle cognitive deficits in PD is higher than in the general population; however, no cognitive deficits exclusive to the disorder have been identified. PD patients have an increased risk of depression, which may be indicative of their problems adjusting to the effects of a chronic and irreversible disease. The clinical psychologist has a role in documenting the cognitive, motor, and affective consequences of the disease, and in evaluating the success with which patients and their families are adapting to associated disabilities.