Understanding Parkinsons and Cognitive Change | San Diego Central County Parkinson's Support Group

Speakers Series: Understanding Parkinsons and Cognitive Change

Speaker Series
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ~ Bring a sack dinner and socialize ~
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ~ Speaker: Dr. Vincent Filoteo ~
San Diego Health Services Complex
San Diego Room
3851 Rosecrans Street, San Diego CA 92110

VIDEO: UNDERSTANDING PARKINSON’S & COGNITIVE CHANGE FROM MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT TO DEMENTIA

Dr. Filoteo is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and
Professor of Psychiatry, UCSD; Neuropsychologist, VA San Diego Healthcare System and Director, UCSD Neuropsychological Associates. Dr. Filoteo specializes in the neuropsychological evaluation of people with conditions such as Parkinson’s. His research and clinical work focus on the cognitive and clinical neuropsychology of the disease to better predict changes in cognition over time. As Co-Director, Neurocognition and Movement Laboratory, he oversees longitudinal assessment studies on cognition in people with Parkinson’s.

Dr. Filoteo will:

1. Define and help us understand changes in cognitive functioning that can occur with Parkinson’s:
• What is the difference between mild cognitive impairment and dementia?
• What are my chances of getting either?
• If I get dementia, will I "loose my mind"?
• My spouse is accusing me of having an affair. Has he lost his mind?

2. Explain how cognition is assessed.
• What is involved in an assessment?
• How much does it cost and does insurance cover it?
• Do I need to be reassessed, if so why, and how often?

3. Discuss why a neuropsychological evaluation is an important component in the management of Parkinson's.
• Do I really want to know if I have mild cognitive impairment or dementia?
• So now I know. Now what?

4. Talk about proactive steps you can take to promote brain health.
• Why do anything if I may experience cognitive changes anyway?
• Will anything I do really make a difference?

5. Describe life with mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
• Do I really want to know?
• Is life still worth living?

6. Identify activities you can do to maintain quality of life in the face of cognitive change.
• What will and won’t I be able to do?
• Will I still have quality of life?
• What should care partners know?