Objective: To critically evaluate neuropsychological measures predictive of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease (PD) with the aim of proposing a comprehensive, evidence-based neuropsychological toolkit specific to PD.
Background: There is substantial heterogeneity in the cognitive profiles of people living with PD, possibly reflecting variability in neuropsychological measures more commonly used for diagnostic purposes. The harmonisation of cognitive measures is critical to standardise neuropsychological methodology, increase diagnostic accuracy of cognitive disorders, and improve provision of care in those living with PD.
Method: Our previous systematic review identified 11 neuropsychological measures predictive of cognitive decline in PD. To develop these into a comprehensive test battery, the present narrative review provides a practical critique of these measures and explores their application in a PD context.
Results: Psychometric properties of the measures demonstrated good reliability and validity for use in PD. The applications of the measures were explored in relation to clinical and motor symptoms of PD. This included scoring systems and alternative test forms to account for motor interference. Key considerations for the impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms of PD (e.g., depression, anxiety, apathy, sleep disorders) and other clinical features (e.g., medications, fluctuations, insight, activities of daily living) on neuropsychological test performance were explored. Recommendations for implementation of the toolkit were provided to improve quality of assessments and minimise confounds.
Conclusion: We propose a harmonised, evidence-based neuropsychological toolkit tailored for people living with PD to improve the identification of cognitive impairment. Understanding the multifaceted nature of cognitive impairment in PD is key to developing effective neuropsychological assessment procedures and will allow for earlier and more effective diagnosis of cognitive disorders.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
E. Mccann, D. Pourzinal, D. Sriram, L. Mitchell, J. Liddle, A. Lehn, N. Dissanayaka. The PDCogniCare Toolkit: Developing a harmonised neuropsychological toolkit specific to Parkinson’s Disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-pdcognicare-toolkit-developing-a-harmonised-neuropsychological-toolkit-specific-to-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed November 20, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-pdcognicare-toolkit-developing-a-harmonised-neuropsychological-toolkit-specific-to-parkinsons-disease/