OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


Importance of Cognitive Profile in Early Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

Erin Foster, OTD, MSCI, OTR/L

July 3, 2012

Share:

Question

How important is it to get a cognitive profile on clients with an early diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease?

Answer

Often times, clients newly diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease are living independently.  It is important to get a cognitive profile to identify any subtle cognitive changes that might affect their safety and independence with complex daily living activities such as cooking and medication management.  In addition, a cognitive profile is important at this stage as the motor manifestations may not yet be apparent.


erin foster

Erin Foster, OTD, MSCI, OTR/L

Dr. Foster is an Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy, Neurology and Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM).  She received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and completed postdoctoral training in clinical neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology at WUSM. During her postdoctoral fellowship, she was selected for a multi-disciplinary clinical investigation training program and received her Master’s of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) in May 2009. She is a current recipient of an NIH-K23 Career Development Award and several other research grants related to cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). Dr. Foster’s primary research focus is on understanding everyday cognitive functioning in PD and its relevance to occupational performance, participation and quality of life. She studies how cognitive dysfunction in PD impacts everyday life and how occupational therapy can best address it. Clinically, Dr. Foster is involved with the Program in Occupational Therapy’s Community and In-Home Services as a consultant for therapists treating clients with PD or related movement disorders.


Related Courses

The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach to Eating Disorders
Presented by Sabina Khan, PhD, OTD, MS, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Sabina Khan, PhD, OTD, MS, OTR/L
Course: #4114Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Very informative'   Read Reviews
This course is designed to provide evidence-based information on the cognitive behavioral therapy treatment approach for eating disorders. Various occupational therapy treatment techniques and interventions will be highlighted.

Finding the Sweet Spot in Functional Cognitive Intervention: Grading Tasks to Maximize Outcomes
Presented by Angela Reimer, OTD, MOT, OTR, CBIST
Video

Presenter

Angela Reimer, OTD, MOT, OTR, CBIST
Course: #4143Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'thank you for the activity resources! I'm always looking for more task based cognitive activities'   Read Reviews
This course focuses on educating therapists on how to develop treatment sessions to address functional cognition. Additionally, strategies to appropriately grade intervention to provide the "just right challenge" will be presented.

Traumatic Brain Injury Master Class
Presented by Amanda Acord-Vira, EdD, OTR/L, CBIS, Diana Davis, PhD, OTR/L, Steven Wheeler, PhD, OTR/L, CBIS, Janice Osborne-Dowdy, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Video

Presenters

Amanda Acord-Vira, EdD, OTR/L, CBISDiana Davis, PhD, OTR/LSteven Wheeler, PhD, OTR/L, CBISJanice Osborne-Dowdy, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Course: #4926Level: Advanced4 Hours
  'Last two sessions were extremely helpful, informative backed by evidence, and thorough'   Read Reviews
Master skills to implement in your practice immediately with continued Master Class. This 4-module course will provide comprehensive assessment and intervention strategies across the traumatic brain injury recovery continuum. Case study application and video analysis will complement lecture content.

Motor Planning: The Impact On Communication And Beyond
Presented by Joleen R. Fernald, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, Lyn Bennett, OTR/L
Video

Presenters

Joleen R. Fernald, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CLLyn Bennett, OTR/L
Course: #9548Level: Intermediate4 Hours
  'One of the best courses I have taken in a long time'   Read Reviews
Master skills to implement in your practice immediately with continued Master Class. This four-hour course will describe the components of motor planning and the areas of impact. Assessment, how to support clients with motor planning challenges, and strategies for discussing praxis with caregivers are also addressed.

Assessment And Treatment Strategies To Boost Brain Skills In Partnership With The Pocket Occupational Therapist
Presented by Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS
Video

Presenter

Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS
Course: #5453Level: Intermediate1.5 Hours
  'Clarity of the information with examples given by the instructor'   Read Reviews
Children often struggle with fidgeting, attention deficits, and immature motor patterns which manifest themselves through frustration, sensory, and behavior issues. The optimal function of our bodies occurs when our sensory and motor systems are strong and able to adapt to the demands of the environment. Lack of movement opportunities and the use of electronic devices at a young age both affect the development of patterns used in the occupation of children. Occupational therapists can easily build-in assessment of body and segmental movement and posture. This session provides strategies for assessment and introduces treatment ideas for using movement to improve performance in occupation.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.