Hallucinations and Delusions

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including cognitive impairment, orthostatic hypotension, pain, and mood changes, are common and negatively affect the quality of life. Hallucinations and delusions are also common non-motor symptoms, affecting up to 50% of people with Parkinson's disease. Hallucinations are when the brain perceives something that is not actually there, either by seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting or smelling it. Delusions are false, fixed beliefs that are maintained even when there is evidence to the contrary, which are usually paranoid in nature. This lecture will discuss the common types of psychosis symptoms people with PD can experience, risk factors for their development, and methods for management. Dr. Samantha Holden will also cover the similarities and differences between Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.