Researchers have developed the first best practice guidelines for diagnosing, evaluating, and managing cognitive disorders in Parkinson’s disease (PD), aiming to standardize clinical approaches across various health services. This initiative involved a two-phase process that combined expert opinions and insights from individuals with lived experience of cognitive impairment. Initially, 58 preliminary recommendations were generated through literature reviews and a national survey, which were then refined to 51 evidence-based recommendations via a modified Delphi process with 29 experts.

The second phase included focus groups with 15 individuals experiencing cognitive disorders, leading to 25 additional recommendations. A national survey confirmed consensus on 24 of these recommendations, emphasizing the importance of a tailored neuropsychological toolkit sensitive to cognitive decline in PD.

The adoption of these guidelines is expected to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve care quality for cognitive disorders in PD. For longevity professionals, integrating these evidence-based practices into clinical settings could significantly advance patient-centered care and early intervention strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.

Source: academic.oup.com