Scientists from the Medical University of South Carolina found that Parkinson’s disease does not cause memory impairment in its early stages. It has been reported MedicalXpress.
Parkinson’s disease causes changes in the brain that lead to impaired motor activity. It is also believed that the later stages of Parkinson’s disease are also often accompanied by a decrease in mental abilities.
The scientists studied the results of cognitive tests of nearly 400 people, 253 of whom had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Researchers evaluated their memory, visuospatial function, processing speed, working memory, and verbal fluency.
Doctors have found that Parkinson’s disease usually does not affect cognitive function during the first five years after the onset of the disease. The scientists reviewed data from previous studies that contradicted their findings. As it turns out, its authors generally did not take into account the amount of time people lived with the diagnosis.
While researchers have not found any evidence of cognitive decline in patients with Parkinson’s disease, patients themselves often report confusion and early stages of the disease. This may mean that existing tests are not sensitive to these changes and require modification.