Awareness of Cognitive Abilities in People with PD, Version 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Awareness of Cognitive Abilities in People with Parkinson's Disease
IRAS ID
160843
Contact name
Kaye McKie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Highland Research and Development Manager
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Awareness of our strengths and weaknesses is an important aspect of everyday life which provides us with the ability to recognise our limits. However, this function is commonly compromised in neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD is the second most common degenerative neurological condition after Alzheimer’s disease. PD has a prevalence rate of 1/500. PD is initially characterized by motor symptoms such as rigidity and tremor of the limbs whilst at rest, bradykinesia and postural instability. PD patients may also experience changes in non-motor symptoms. It is estimated that 85% of PD patients exhibit deficits in cognitive functioning at various stages of disease progression. Cognitive disturbances in PD can be as disabling as the motor symptoms of the disease, typically with attention, complex decision making and mental flexibility affected first. However, these cognitive deficits are only recently attracting research attention. The phenomenon of impaired awareness involves an inadequate evaluation of one’s impairments often underestimating the degree of their deficit, whereas their ability to rate others performing the same task remains intact.
Unawareness of deficit can have a significant negative impact on the day to day functioning and emotional state of the PD patient and their caregivers. For example, not being aware of cognitive limitations may lead the patient to take risks that provoke fear and anxiety in care givers. Previous research has shown significant associations between PD patients motor and cognitive abilities as well as a significant relationship between awareness of motor abilities and caregiver burden. However, no studies have examined the relationship between awareness of cognitive abilities and awareness of motor abilities, or the association between cognitive unawareness and caregiver burden. By conducting this study, we hope to determine the real life impact of unawareness of cognitive deficits on patients and their carers.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
14/NS/1080
Date of REC Opinion
23 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion