New test will identify signs of dementia in people with Parkinson's disease
Friday 08 June 2012
Researchers at Australia's Monash University and the University of Canterbury in New Zealand are developing a test to accurately diagnose people with Parkinson's Disease who also have cognitive problems indicative of preclinical dementia.
Dr. Audrey McKinlay, Clinical Psychologist at the University of Canterbury, said: "The 20-minute testing process would allow health practitioners to identify distinct characteristics, including memory loss, associated with the earliest, or preclinical, stages of dementia in PD patients.
“Identifying patients likely to develop dementia is important in early intervention where support can be provided to delay, or help patients to manage, the cognitive decline associated with dementia."