Understanding Cognitive Changes and Parkinson's: Supporting the Whole Person (2026)

In this webinar, Tricia Wallace, Registered Clinical Counsellor, explained that cognitive changes in Parkinson’s existed on a spectrum from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, with varied progression and not all individuals developing severe impairment. Tricia described how cognition involved multiple domains, including memory, attention, executive functioning, and social understanding, all of which could be affected in different ways. She highlighted distinctions between dementia types, particularly between Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, and noted that cognitive testing tools provided only partial, variable snapshots.

Tricia emphasized that attention and different forms of memory, especially episodic memory, were often impacted, alongside executive functioning and visuospatial abilities due to neurological disruptions. She also outlined communication challenges, including slowed processing and word-finding difficulties, and encouraged strategies such as simplifying and slowing communication.

Tricia stressed that emotional states, stress, and nervous system regulation significantly influenced cognition, while neuroplasticity offered ongoing potential for adaptation and improvement. She concluded by encouraging a balanced perspective that acknowledged both loss and possibility, promoting self-compassion, open communication, and a focus on gradual, meaningful progress.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**