Occupational Therapist Shares Parkinson’s Disease Insight

As seen on NeurologyLive.com, a news site for healthcare professionals specializing in neurological diseases, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Ling Wan-Albert, OTD, discusses how decreased socialization in patients with Parkinson’s disease can contribute to early cognitive decline. She also emphasizes that providers should encourage patients to remain connected to friends, family, and activities that encourage interaction. 

“Patients often focus on the motor aspects of Parkinson’s disease, neglecting the changes in cognitive function. Decreased social participation may not directly cause cognitive decline, but it can contribute to early cognitive deterioration, especially in social aspects,” says Wan-Albert. “It is important that we educate patients on the significance of maintaining social participation as long as possible in their lives.”