Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

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Author: Johanna Stiefler JohnsonPublished: 14 January 2021

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female doctor is measuring senior man's body circumference

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, US, have found that people with early Parkinson’s disease are at higher risk of developing cognitive impairments if they are overweight, have disruptive sleep behaviours or experience symptoms of depression.

Evaluating data from 405 people, the researchers used statistical analysis to identify relationships between certain characteristics and changes in patient cognition over time. Their findings suggest that factors such as high body mass index (BMI) or excessive sleepiness are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease.

The researchers wrote: “Despite its common and devastating occurrence, treatment of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] is limited and no medications slow its onset or progression. However, identification of treatable or modifiable comorbidities that affect the rate of progression of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] could provide opportunities for early intervention and improved prognosis.”

For more information about the latest Parkinson’s disease research, please visit the EPDA website.

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Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

News

Author: Johanna Stiefler JohnsonPublished: 14 January 2021

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Recipes & Nutrition

How a good diet can alleviate anxiety and panic disorders in Parkinson’s

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Ask the expert: How can hallucinations affect people with Parkinson’s?

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Helping people with Parkinson’s “take back control of their brain and body”

Ireland survey aims to uncover link between pesticides and Parkinson’s disease

Is there a link between Parkinson’s disease and blood vessel dysfunction?

New swab test may help with Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

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Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

News

Author: Johanna Stiefler JohnsonPublished: 14 January 2021

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Recipes & Nutrition

How a good diet can alleviate anxiety and panic disorders in Parkinson’s

Special reports

Ask the expert: How can hallucinations affect people with Parkinson’s?

Resources & Tools

Helping people with Parkinson’s “take back control of their brain and body”

Ireland survey aims to uncover link between pesticides and Parkinson’s disease

Is there a link between Parkinson’s disease and blood vessel dysfunction?

New swab test may help with Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

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