Cognitive Testing

Embarrassing as it is, a cognitive test is part of a necessary process enabling your doctor to have a base line from which to work. Although highly demeaning and no one likes to feel belittled, a cognitive test is a good way of assessing one’s mental capacity. Repeating the test a year later shows indication if there is decreased mental ability. Occasionally I must admit I can feel that my attention span is short, and sometimes I have difficulty finding a word (despite being a chatter box by nature). Slowness in thinking and memory loss are also noticeable, so family and friends are becoming very forgiving of my mistakes. Being tolerant and patient with someone who has Parkinson’s is very important. It’s bad enough battling this disease day in day out and on occasions feeling like one is “losing it”, but on top of that, having someone make you feel like an idiot, when they should be acutely aware of your failing mental state, is simply cruel. A lack of tact or thoughtless negative comments can have a tremendous detrimental effect on a person with Parkinson’s. Keeping cheerful and having positive thoughts and surrounded by good energy is the best defence to battle against this rotten disease.