Dementia in Parkinson’s disease – a comprehensive review

Dementia in Parkinson’s disease – a comprehensive review Review (756) Total Article Views Authors: Yousuf MS, Daniyal U Published Date April 2012 Volume 2012:2 Pages 6 - 10 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/JPRLS.S37049 Received: 15 August 2012 Accepted: Published: 17 August 2012 Muhammad Saad Yousuf,1,2 Usama Daniyal1 1Parkinson’s Clinic and Movement Disorder Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; 2University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Abstract: Parkinson’s disease is neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Dementia is one of the most debilitating non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It affects intellectual and cognitive functioning at various levels. In this regard, this review acts as a comprehensive overview of history, pathology, symptomology, and treat-ments while suggesting future avenues for further research. The review assesses disease pathology covering aspects of clinical manifestations, risk factors, morphological changes in the brain, and etiology. Dementia is correlated with increasing age, severity of underlying complications (Hoehn and Yahr Stage), and is more prevalent in males. On average, approximately, 1 in 4 patients with Parkinson’s disease will develop dementia. With better health care and technological advancements, life expectancy has been shown to be on a rise. Also, the baby boomers are reaching retirement age and are most at risk of neurological disorders. As a result, it is estimated that dementia will become as prevalent as affecting 81.1 million individuals by the year 2040. Parkinson’s disease by itself is debilitating and in conjunction with dementia completely hampers independent living. Thus, future avenues for further understanding and preventing dementia in Parkinson’s disease are necessary. Post to: Cannotea Citeulike Del.icio.us Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Readers of this article also read: The challenge of supporting care for dementia in primary care Available and emerging treatments for Parkinson’s disease: a review Fructose-enhanced reduction of bacterial growth on nanorough surfaces Enhancing the specificity and efficiency of polymerase chain reaction using polyethyleneimine-based derivatives and hybrid nanocomposites Improved oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble indirubin by a supersaturatable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system Liposomes prolong the therapeutic effect of anti-asthmatic medication via pulmonary delivery Causes of Parkinson’s disease: Literature Review Depression in Parkinson’s disease Restless legs syndrome A quick and easy-to-use clinical scale to assess balance in Parkinson's disease