News
September 17, 2025
Looking at a case of Parkinson's and its relation to dementia
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 65-year-old and otherwise healthy male. After spending the past five years believing that my trembling hands were the result of essential tremor, a second DaT (dopamine transporter) scan (the first one was misread, I guess)...
**Navigating Parkinson's Diagnosis and Understanding Dementia Risk**
For a 65-year-old man who recently received a Parkinson's disease diagnosis, a journey of understanding and adaptation has just begun. After five years of attributing his trembling hands to essential tremor, a more accurate diagnosis has emerged through a second DaT (dopamine transporter) scan. This scan, which visualizes the dopamine system in the brain, revealed the underlying presence of Parkinson's. The initial misreading of the first scan highlights the importance of seeking expert opinions and ensuring thorough diagnostic procedures, especially when dealing with neurological conditions.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system, primarily impacting movement. The hallmark symptoms include tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and postural instability. While motor symptoms are often the most visible, Parkinson's can also affect non-motor functions, including sleep, mood, and cognition.
The connection between Parkinson's disease and dementia is a significant concern for patients and their families. While not everyone with Parkinson's develops dementia, a substantial percentage do. The type of dementia most commonly associated with Parkinson's is Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). This type of dementia typically develops at least a year after the onset of motor symptoms.
The risk of developing PDD varies from person to person, and researchers are still working to fully understand the factors that contribute to its development. Some studies suggest that older age at the onset of Parkinson's, the severity of motor symptoms, and certain genetic factors may increase the risk.
It's important to distinguish PDD from dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), another type of dementia that shares similarities with Parkinson's. In DLB, cognitive symptoms usually appear before or at the same time as motor symptoms, whereas in PDD, motor symptoms typically precede cognitive decline.
For individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, understanding the potential link to dementia is crucial. Open communication with healthcare providers, including neurologists and geriatricians, is essential for developing a comprehensive care plan. This plan should address both motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as strategies for monitoring and managing cognitive changes. Early detection and intervention can help improve the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson's disease and reduce the impact of potential cognitive decline.
For a 65-year-old man who recently received a Parkinson's disease diagnosis, a journey of understanding and adaptation has just begun. After five years of attributing his trembling hands to essential tremor, a more accurate diagnosis has emerged through a second DaT (dopamine transporter) scan. This scan, which visualizes the dopamine system in the brain, revealed the underlying presence of Parkinson's. The initial misreading of the first scan highlights the importance of seeking expert opinions and ensuring thorough diagnostic procedures, especially when dealing with neurological conditions.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system, primarily impacting movement. The hallmark symptoms include tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and postural instability. While motor symptoms are often the most visible, Parkinson's can also affect non-motor functions, including sleep, mood, and cognition.
The connection between Parkinson's disease and dementia is a significant concern for patients and their families. While not everyone with Parkinson's develops dementia, a substantial percentage do. The type of dementia most commonly associated with Parkinson's is Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). This type of dementia typically develops at least a year after the onset of motor symptoms.
The risk of developing PDD varies from person to person, and researchers are still working to fully understand the factors that contribute to its development. Some studies suggest that older age at the onset of Parkinson's, the severity of motor symptoms, and certain genetic factors may increase the risk.
It's important to distinguish PDD from dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), another type of dementia that shares similarities with Parkinson's. In DLB, cognitive symptoms usually appear before or at the same time as motor symptoms, whereas in PDD, motor symptoms typically precede cognitive decline.
For individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, understanding the potential link to dementia is crucial. Open communication with healthcare providers, including neurologists and geriatricians, is essential for developing a comprehensive care plan. This plan should address both motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as strategies for monitoring and managing cognitive changes. Early detection and intervention can help improve the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson's disease and reduce the impact of potential cognitive decline.
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