North Carolina Neurological Foundation (NCNF)

Major Neurocognitive Disorder Due To Parkinson Disease

Major neurocognitive disorder due to Parkinson disease occurs in the context of established Parkinson disease, characterized by progressive cognitive decline affecting executive function, attention, and visuospatial skills. Etiology relates to dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra, Lewy body accumulation, and comorbid cerebrovascular pathology. Clinical features include motor symptoms of Parkinson disease, cognitive impairment, and neuropsychiatric manifestations such as depression or hallucinations. Diagnosis requires comprehensive clinical assessment, neuropsychological testing, and exclusion of other dementias. Management combines dopaminergic therapy for motor symptoms, cholinesterase inhibitors for cognitive symptoms, and multidisciplinary supportive care.