A broad and in-depth discussion of the important, but still uninformed, field of behavioral disturbances associated with Parkinson's disease.

A detailed examination of the major neuropsychiatric syndromes of Parkinson's disease and a cognitive theory that accounts for their neurology and phenomenology. Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer most visibly with such motor deficits as tremor and rigidity and less obviously with a range of nonmotor symptoms, including autonomic dysfunction, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment. The neuropsychiatric disturbances of PD can be as disabling as its motor disorders; but they have only recently begun to be studied intensively by clinicians and scientists. In this book, Patrick McNamara examines the major neuropsychiatric syndromes of PD in detail and offers a cognitive theory that accounts for both their neurology and their phenomenology. McNamara offers an up-to-date review of current knowledge of such neuropsychiatric manifestations of PD as cognitive deficits, personality changes, speech and language symptoms, sleep disorders, apathy, psychosis, and dementia. He argues that the cognitive, mood, and personality symptoms of PD stem from the weakening or suppression of the agentic aspects of the self. McNamara's study may well lead to improved treatment for Parkinson's patients. But its overarching goal is to arrive at a better understanding of the human mind and its breakdown patterns in patients with PD. The human mind-brain is an elaborate and complex structure patched together to produce what we call the self. When we observe the disruption of the self structure that occurs with the various neuropsychiatric disorders associated with PD, McNamara argues, we get a glimpse into the inner workings of the most spectacular structure of the self: the agentic self, the self that acts.

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are known to suffer from motor symptoms of the disease, but they also experience non-motor symptoms (NMS) that are often present before diagnosis or that inevitably emerge with disease progression. The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease have been extensively researched, and effective clinical tools for their assessment and treatment have been developed and are readily available. In contrast, researchers have only recently begun to focus on the NMS of Parkinson's Disease, which are poorly recognized and inadequately treated by clinicians. The NMS of PD have a significant impact on patient quality of life and mortality and include neuropsychiatric, sleep-related, autonomic, gastrointestinal, and sensory symptoms. While some NMS can be improved with currently available treatments, others may be more refractory and will require research into novel (non-dopaminergic) drug therapies for the future. Edited by members of the UK Parkinson's Disease Non-Motor Group (PD-NMG) and with contributions from international experts, this new edition summarizes the current understanding of NMS symptoms in Parkinson's disease and points the way towards future research.

Filling a noticeable gap in the market for a new text solely focused on Dementia with Lewy Bodies, this book discusses cutting-edge topics covering the condition from diagnosis to management, as well as what is known about the neurobiological changes involved. With huge progress having been made over the last decade in terms of the disorder

This comprehensive reference provides a detailed overview of current concepts regarding the cause of Parkinson's disease-emphasizing the issues involved in the design, implementation, and analysis of epidemiological studies of parkinsonism.

Distils the most valuable discoveries in dementia research into clear, insightful chapters written by international experts.

Cognition in Parkinson's Disease, Volume 269 in the Progress in Brain Research series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of timely topics, including Cognition in Prodromal Parkinson's disease, The epidemiology of cognitive function in Parkinson's disease, Real-life consequences of cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease, Animal models of cognition in Parkinson's disease, Functional neuroanatomy of cognition in Parkinson's disease, Neuroimaging approaches to cognition in Parkinson's disease, Cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric aspects of Parkinson's disease, Neuropsychology of Parkinson's disease, Cholinergic Systems, Attentional-Motor Integration, and Cognitive Control in Parkinson Disease, and much more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in Progress in Brain Research series - Updated release includes the latest information on Cognition in Parkinson's Disease

For most Americans, staying "mentally sharp" as they age is a very high priority. Declines in memory and decision-making abilities may trigger fears of Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. However, cognitive aging is a natural process that can have both positive and negative effects on cognitive function in older adults - effects that vary widely among individuals. At this point in time, when the older population is rapidly growing in the United States and across the globe, it is important to examine what is known about cognitive aging and to identify and promote actions that individuals, organizations, communities, and society can take to help older adults maintain and improve their cognitive health. Cognitive Aging assesses the public health dimensions of cognitive aging with an emphasis on definitions and terminology, epidemiology and surveillance, prevention and intervention, education of health professionals, and public awareness and education. This report makes specific recommendations for individuals to reduce the risks of cognitive decline with aging. Aging is inevitable, but there are actions that can be taken by individuals, families, communities, and society that may help to prevent or ameliorate the impact of aging on the brain, understand more about its impact, and help older adults live more fully and independent lives. Cognitive aging is not just an individual or a family or a health care system challenge. It is an issue that affects the fabric of society and requires actions by many and varied stakeholders. Cognitive Aging offers clear steps that individuals, families, communities, health care providers and systems, financial organizations, community groups, public health agencies, and others can take to promote cognitive health and to help older adults live fuller and more independent lives. Ultimately, this report calls for a societal commitment to cognitive aging as a public health issue that requires prompt action across many sectors.

Psychiatric and cognitive changes are common in patients with Parkinson's disease and have key clinical consequences but, despite this, these symptoms are often under-diagnosed and under-treated, leading to increased morbidity and costs. With chapters focused on the major neuropsychiatric features, Neuropsychiatric and Cognitive Changes in Parkinson's Disease and Related Movement Disorders rectifies this deficit. Written by experts in the field, with a consistent focus on relevant clinical knowledge, it provides a comprehensive overview including all the major behavioral changes associated with movement disorders. The book provides broad, in-depth, accurate and up-to-date scientific information as well as crucial understanding and practical tools to help patients. The book is essential reading for clinicians working in neurology, psychiatry and geriatric medicine.