Understanding Cognition in Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Disease

To be eligible for inclusion in this study, individuals must meet the following criteria:

Healthy Controls:

• Male or female ≥ 50 years of age at the time of recruitment.

Parkinson’s Disease Group:

• Male or female ≥ 50 years of age at the time of recruitment.
• Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
• Initial MoCA score of 16 or above.

Lewy Body Disease Dementia Group:

• Male or female ≥ 50 years of age at the time of recruitment.
• Diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
• Initial MoCA score of 16 or above.

2. Exclusion Criteria

Individuals who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

• Excessive alcohol consumption (> 7 drinks per week for women, > 14 drinks per week for men) or substance use.

• History of neurological disorders such as brain tumor, stroke, central nervous system infection, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders (other than Parkinson’s Disease), or seizures.

• History of psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

• History of head injury with loss of consciousness.

• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score < 16.

• Focal neurological findings suggesting cerebral pathology other than parkinsonism.

• Severe non-neurological medical conditions that could significantly impair cognition (e.g., organ failure).

• Significant hearing impairment that prevents completion of cognitive assessments.

• Pregnant women.

• Minors.

• Prisoners.

• Non-English speakers.