Understanding Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD): Symptoms & Risk

Patients suffering from Parkinson's disease sometimes develop dementia, although it is not one of the more common symptoms. It is called Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD).

Incidence

• Dementia occurs in about 20 percent of those who have Parkinson's, usually 10 to 15 years following diagnosis of Parkinson's.

Risk Factors

• Patients who have more serious motor control problems and hallucinations are at higher risk for PDD.

Symptoms

• PDD symptoms include poor memory, confusion, disorientation, moodiness and hallucinations.

Alzheimer's Dementia

• Other conditions affecting elderly patients can also produce dementia symptoms. One of these is Alzheimer's disease, whose dementia can be characterized by language difficulties and agitation. A patient can have Alzheimer's and Parkinson's at the same time.

Consult a Specialist

• A neurologist can test for and differentiate among types of dementia. It's important to get this done because it can affect treatment and prognosis.