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Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Do a lot of people also have dementia?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Columbus, OH
September 24, 2025
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Cognitive issues are common. They don't all progress to dementia. One recent study I read about said that generally dementia starts 10 or more years after diagnosis. Lewy Body Dementia is different, of course, since that starts with dementia. The Parkinson's symptoms start after the dementia has begun.

September 25, 2025
MyParkinsonsTeam

Yes, dementia is fairly common in people with Parkinson's disease, particularly as the condition progresses. Studies show that approximately 75% of people who have lived with Parkinson's for 10 or more years will develop some form of dementia.

The most common type that affects people with Parkinson's is called Lewy body Show Full Answer

Yes, dementia is fairly common in people with Parkinson's disease, particularly as the condition progresses. Studies show that approximately 75% of people who have lived with Parkinson's for 10 or more years will develop some form of dementia.

The most common type that affects people with Parkinson's is called Lewy body dementia (LBD), which occurs when proteins build up in the brain forming clusters called Lewy bodies. The timing of symptoms helps determine the specific diagnosis:

• If dementia symptoms (like visual hallucinations, mood changes, and sleep disturbances) appear first, it's typically diagnosed as Lewy body dementia
• If movement-related Parkinson's symptoms appear before dementia symptoms, it's usually called Parkinson's disease dementia

Both conditions are related to changes in brain chemistry, particularly affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine.

September 24, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

My doctor told me that she doesn't have many people that have developed dementia

September 25, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

It's very strange strange strange river bridge Bank Tees give me a bit of cheese wash it down with car wash Harry j Lexington 1 minute I think I have it and the next I don't don't do that do that do do

September 25, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Nancy and Steven have both experience what they believe is dementia. I think that's thrown out a lot but it is a major symptom with Parkinson's and we're aware. What I try to do is put things around them that are familiar. And I also recap different adventures that we all had together or separately. I know this a losing battle but I'm still going to try.

September 24, 2025

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