Longitudinal Study of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is known for its motor symptoms and affects more than 100,000 Canadians. However, PD patients also show cognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric problems that significantly impair their quality of life. The occurrence of dementia in PD is much higher than in the general population. The proposed study will allow the principal investigator, his team and his collaborators to investigate the origins and evolution of the cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Participants with PD with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and participants with and without MCI over the age of 60 years will be assessed during eight study visits over three years. Through brain imaging, clinical testing, as well as genotyping the cognitive patterns in the four different groups will be observed and compared. The results will be used to identify biomarkers that can predict the occurrence of dementia early in the disease. Ultimately, the results of the proposed research will contribute to interventions and treatment strategies tailored to different cognitive profiles in PD before the occurrence of dementia.