Objective: To investigate the impact of depression on cognitive functioning in a group of older adults without dementia.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects dopamine synthesis in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the midbrain, leading to motor symptoms such as resting tremor, postural instability, bradykinesia, and rigidity; non-motor symptoms such as autonomic dysfunction and sleep disturbances; and neurobehavioral disturbances such as anxiety and depression. Depression is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder in patients with PD and is characterized by symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, loss of willpower, and an inability to experience pleasure. Depression in patients with PD affects quality of life at the individual, social, and family levels.

Method: 50 residents of a nursing home, with a mean age of 65.86 (SD = 6.533). Cognitive function was assessed using the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Inventory of Depression Screening Scale (IDSS).

Results: There is a statistically significant negative correlation between the IDSS score and the total DRS score (Rho = -0.510; p = 0.000); and in the subtests for memory (Rho = -0.434; p = 0.001), attention (Rho = -0.323; p = 0.001), and planning tasks (executive functions) (Rho = -0.425; p = 0.014).

Conclusion: Depression affects cognitive function (memory, attention, and executive functions) in patients with Parkinson’s disease; therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to begin developing cognitive stimulation programs through clinical neuropsychology, with the aim of slowing neurocognitive decline in these patients.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effect-of-depression-on-the-cognitive-phenotype-in-a-group-of-patients-diagnosed-with-idiopathic-parkinsons-disease-without-dementia/