Cognitive Performance and Self-Reported Functioning in Daily Life Among Those with Parkinson's Disease: A Brief Report

Objective: Parkinson's disease is associated with cognitive deficits on laboratory-based measures and reports of subjective problems with several aspects of functioning in daily life. In the present investigation, we examined whether neuropsychological test performance in patients with Parkinson's disease is associated with self-reported problems in general cognitive functioning and ability to complete activities of daily living. Method: Twenty patients with Parkinson's disease completed a battery of cognitive tests and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire. Results: Self-reported problems with cognitive functioning and activities of daily living were only associated with the Initiation/Perseveration subscale of the Dementia Rating Scale. These findings could not be accounted for by either depressed mood or anxiety. Conclusions: The present findings, though preliminary in nature given the small sample size, point to a role of executive dysfunction in the decreased ability to function in daily life reported by patients with Parkinson's disease.