The core feature requires a prior diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease,
and dementia causing a decline in function severe enough to impair the
patient in daily activities and in at least one cognitive domain.
The clinical features include both the cognitive and behavioral domains described below:
Cognitive domains:
The clinical features include both the cognitive and behavioral domains described below:
Cognitive domains:
- Attention – The patient shows a level of impairment in attention, which may fluctuate over time
- Executive function – Impairment in complex thought processes such as in initating an action, planning, or organization
- Visuo-spatial ability – Marked deficits in the processing of visuo-spatial material
- Memory – There is noticeable impairment in both the recall of existing memories and in the learning of new material
- Language – Basic language features are largely intact, although there may be difficulties in finding words and understanding complex sentences.
- Behavioral domains:
- Apathy – Decreased spontaneity, motivation, effortful behavior
- Changes in personality and mood – Can include depression and anxiety
- Hallucinations - Usually complex and visual
- Delusions - Usually paranoid delusions, such as infidelity or perceived unknown guests in the home
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Existence of an abnormality such as vascular disease which causes cognitive impairment although not determined to cause dementia
- If the duration of time between the onset of motor and cognitive symptoms is not known
- Cognitive or behavioral symptoms which occur only in the context of existing conditions, such as systemic diseases, drug intoxication, or major depression
- Symptoms compatible with vascular dementia, confirmed by an established relationship between brain imaging results and impairment in neurological testing
