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

News

Author: Johanna Stiefler JohnsonPublished: 14 January 2021

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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 Parkinson’s Europe website.

Find out more about factors associated with cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease.

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Recipes & nutrition

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

Could a better diet help prevent anxiety in Parkinson’s?

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

Professor Per Odin shares need-to-know information on the symptom

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

We talk to the founder of MyCognition

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham has won a World Parkinson Coalition (WPC) award for her contribution to the Parkinson’s community. Lizzie is one of four people set to receive the Robin Elliott Award – which is given out every three years to individuals whose efforts best embody the goals and ethos of the WPC. She will be presented with the award in a ceremony at the World Parkinson’s Congress, which will be held in Barcelona later this year. Commenting on the news of Lizzie’s award, Parkinson’s Europe President, Veronica Clark, said: “Lizzie is Lizzie, and we love her for who she is and what she has done for us all – for people with Parkinson’s past and present and, I’m sure, future.” Lizzie co-founded the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (renamed Parkinson’s Europe last year) in 1992. She has since held several roles within the organisation – including secretary general and…

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Cognitive impairment can affect some people with Parkinson’s – and may greatly impact their quality of life. Now, researchers in China have examined the possible risk factors for cognitive impairment in those with the condition. The study analysed data from 409 people with Parkinson’s within two years of their involvement in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) – an international study that follows people with and without the condition over time. The participants, who were newly diagnosed and experiencing normal cognitive function at the start of the research, were studied for at least five years. Published in ‘Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience’, the results indicate that older age at onset, high blood pressure and worse baseline motor symptoms may be among factors that could contribute to an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment. The researchers cautioned that “a larger sample and much more comprehensive assessment, and prolonged follow-up, will be required”.

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

Frailty can refer to a reduction in physical function, and its attributes – including a slow walking speed and weak grip – are commonly experienced by people with Parkinson’s. Until now, there has been limited insight into the link between frailty and the risk of developing the condition over time. This is what led researchers at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China to analyse data from a large UK study, which was gathered over a 12-year period. Published in JAMA Neurology, the analysis found that frailty may be linked to an 87% higher risk of developing the condition. Commenting on the results, the researchers said: “These findings indicate that physical frailty is a potential risk factor for [Parkinson’s], and the assessment and management of frailty might have clinical significance in the at-risk population.”

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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

News

Author: Johanna Stiefler JohnsonPublished: 14 January 2021

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

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”

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

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”

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in