The link between Parkinson’s disease and dementia

Parkinson’s disease and dementia are two neurological conditions that often occur together. This relationship has fascinated researchers for decades, as it sheds light on the complex mechanisms underlying brain function and disease. In this article, we explore how these two conditions are related, the symptoms that may arise, and the advancements in research and treatment.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the basal ganglia in the brain, an area responsible for movement and coordination. The primary symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and balance difficulties. The disease is caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain.

In addition to motor symptoms, many patients experience non-motor problems such as sleep disturbances, depression, and cognitive impairment. It is this last category that can lead to dementia in some patients.

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive disorders that affect memory, thinking, problem-solving, and language. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but there are many others, including Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia. In people with Parkinson’s disease, dementia can develop as part of the disease progression, usually in its later stages.

Parkinson’s disease and dementia: how are they linked?

Research shows that up to 50-80% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease develop dementia in the later stages of the disease. This type of dementia is often referred to as Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) and is closely related to Lewy body dementia (DLB), as both conditions involve the accumulation of abnormal proteins, called Lewy bodies, in the brain’s nerve cells.

Typical symptoms of PDD include:

• Difficulties with attention and concentration.
• Impaired memory, especially short-term memory.
• Challenges in planning and organizing.
• Hallucinations and paranoid thoughts.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the link between Parkinson’s disease and dementia is how different brain regions and signaling molecules are involved. Dopamine deficiency, a core issue in Parkinson’s, can impact cognitive functions, while other neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, play a key role in the development of dementia.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing dementia in Parkinson’s patients is challenging because motor and cognitive symptoms often overlap. A thorough clinical assessment, complemented by imaging techniques such as MRI or PET scans, can help distinguish between different types of dementia.

Treatment for Parkinson’s disease dementia typically focuses on symptom relief. Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors can be used to improve cognitive functions. Additionally, tailored physical therapy, cognitive training, and support for caregivers can play an important role in treatment.

Advances in research

Research into the connection between Parkinson’s disease and dementia is progressing. New insights into the role of Lewy bodies and how the brain’s signaling molecules interact have led to the development of promising treatments. Moreover, studies are underway to identify biomarkers that can predict which Parkinson’s patients are at the greatest risk of developing dementia.

Sensorem’s safety alarm has GPS positioning, medication reminders and automatic fall alarm

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with dementia. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders, which means that the watch emits a sound and tells the user that it is time to take their medication. The personal alarm can also alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.