Dementia affects roughly one-third of people living with Parkinson's, and it typically develops at least a year after the initial diagnosis. On average, it takes about 10 years from the first movement symptoms for Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) to appear.
Here are the most common ways dementia can affect someone with Show Full Answer
Dementia affects roughly one-third of people living with Parkinson's, and it typically develops at least a year after the initial diagnosis. On average, it takes about 10 years from the first movement symptoms for Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) to appear.
Here are the most common ways dementia can affect someone with Parkinson's:
- Memory problems – Difficulty with short-term memory, forgetting names, objects, or recent conversations
- Trouble planning and concentrating – Hard time completing tasks or following complex instructions
- Speech and language challenges – Muffled speech, forgetting words, or difficulty understanding sentences
- Sleep disruptions – Reversed sleep cycles, or acting out dreams during sleep
- Hallucinations and delusions – Seeing things that aren't there, or experiencing paranoid thinking
- Mood and motivation changes – Depression, anxiety, irritability, appetite changes, or apathy A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared this about their loved one: "There are days when he can remember what you just asked or were talking about. Then, some days, he can't even remember what he just ate. He gets angry when he can't remember."
It's worth knowing that not everyone with Parkinson's develops dementia. Many people experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — things like occasional forgetfulness or brain fog — which doesn't always progress further.
Regular check-ins with a neurologist, neuropsychological testing, and certain medications or behavioral strategies can help manage cognitive symptoms. It's always a good idea to discuss any concerns with a doctor.
June 22
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