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Memory and Other Cognitive Symptoms
Some people experience changes in memory and thinking( cognition) with Parkinson’ s. Like all symptoms, if and how these symptoms show up varies from person to person. Some might experience mild problems with multitasking or following the thread of a conversation; others might have difficulty learning or processing new information, making decisions or exercising good judgment( using a walker to avoid falling, rather than jumping out of a chair unassisted, for example). Generally, the cognitive changes in Parkinson’ s are less memory-related and more specific to thinking: trouble paying attention, multitasking( like walking and talking on the telephone at the same time), seeing where things are in space( visuospatial skills) and getting words out.
While cognitive changes don’ t happen in everyone, they are more common the longer a person lives with Parkinson’ s. That means for some who live decades or more with the disease, there can be significant difficulty both with moving and thinking, which can be doubly tough to manage. On top of that, cognitive changes can sometimes also bring hallucinations( seeing things that aren’ t there), delusions( believing things that aren’ t true, like a spouse is unfaithful or children are stealing money) or behavior changes, like agitation.
Talk with your loved one and their doctor at the first sign of memory or thinking changes( or better yet, long before they come on). Many people are, understandably, concerned about the possibility of memory and thinking changes, and that can make them even tougher to talk about. Knowing what to watch for can help you prevent, prepare and stay on top of changes.
If memory or thinking symptoms occur, medications may slightly boost cognition and attention, ease hallucinations or lessen behavior changes. There are many things you can do beyond medication, too:
+ Ask yes / no, rather than open-ended questions.
+ Keep a regular routine, with a clear, shared calendar for your loved one to easily refer to.
+ Maintain a calm environment, especially at night, with soothing sounds, scents and activities.
+ Address hearing or vision changes, which can make it harder for your loved one to interact with you and the world around them. Make sure they use hearing aids or corrective lenses as needed.
+ Look for what’ s behind behavior changes: Might your loved one be in pain, tired or anxious?
+ Reassure and redirect around hallucinations or delusions. Don’ t argue or try to convince them otherwise. Instead, gently change the topic or focus.
+ Have go-to relaxing activities handy like coloring, looking at family photos or listening to music.
+ Employ additional carers, cameras and alert bracelets or pendants as needed for extra supervision and safety around wandering or falls.
These are just a few of the many ways you can support your loved one when cognitive changes are part of the picture. Turn to the Resources for more on thinking and memory symptoms.
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