Mild memory and thinking problems

You might have problems with activities such as planning, multitasking and moving quickly from one activity to another, or doing tasks in a particular order.

This may mean you feel less efficient or less organised than you used to be, or you may get confused, particularly if you’re feeling stressed.

Problems with attention and concentration can also make everyday activities more difficult, such as reading a newspaper article from start to finish. 

You might experience slowed thinking, so it could take you longer to make decisions or respond to questions.

If you’ve had surgery for Parkinson’s, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), you may have some specific symptoms, such as problems with talking, concentration and complex thinking. But some people find that the surgery improves their memory.

Dementia in Parkinson’s is diagnosed when thinking and memory problems are steadily getting worse over time and affect everyday life and daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning and dressing.

Researchers are working to understand why mild memory and thinking problems happen in Parkinson's. 

It's thought that these symptoms are caused by problems in the brain pathways that pass messages from one area of the brain to another.

There may also be other explanations for these symptoms. These include:

Anxiety and depression

Anxiety and depression are quite common in Parkinson's and can have a big impact on your ability to think, remember and deal with information properly. These conditions can also affect your attention span and concentration. Read more on Parkinson's and anxiety and Parkinson's and depression.  

Sleep problems

Difficulty sleeping at night can cause you to feel very sleepy during the day. Some Parkinson’s medication can also make you feel sleepy. If you’re feeling tired or run down, this can affect your thinking, concentration and memory. Find out more about Parkinson's and sleep.

Diet and general health

It’s also important to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get all the vitamins you need, as this can improve your general health. Keeping hydrated is also very important as dehydration can affect your concentration. Learn more about Parkinson's and diet.

Other health conditions

Common health problems such as infections, vitamin deficiencies and thyroid problems can affect memory and thinking. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause confusion. All of these conditions are treatable.

It’s important to tell your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse about any thinking or memory problems you’re having. They can look at your medical history and how long these problems have been going on, then discuss treatment options with you.

Your Parkinson’s nurse can also do some cognitive tests. These are pen-and-paper tests that assess your memory and thinking. The results of these tests can reveal the exact nature of the problem.

Some types of Parkinson’s drugs help with memory and thinking problems, but others can make these symptoms worse. Your specialist can adjust your Parkinson’s medication if necessary.

Don't stop or change your medication regime yourself. Always speak to your specialist or Parkinson's nurse if you are having any issues.

There are also non-drug treatments that can help with memory and thinking problems, such as occupational therapy.

Occupational therapists aim to make everyday tasks more manageable for you, using strategies, techniques, gadgets, equipment and other tools. 

Maintaining independence and keeping active

You may need some help with certain things, but try to stay as independent as you can when going about your day-to-day life.

It’s important to keep as physically and mentally active as possible, through exercise, hobbies and taking part in social activities. 

Being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms, and has a positive impact both physically and mentally.

Our local groups may have regular activities you can get involved in. To find out what’s available in your area, use our online service finder. Or call our helpline on 0808 800 0303.

If you find that mild memory and thinking problems are starting to affect your daily life, there are tips and techniques that might help.

Visual prompts

Having calendars, clocks, noticeboards and notices around your home may help jog your memory.

Routine and being organised

• Having a clear daily routine can be helpful. Being as organised as possible can help you stay focused and reduce stress. 
• You might find it helps to keep a list of things to do. You can see what you have achieved as you tick off each task.
• Remember that sometimes it helps if you slow down and tackle one thing at a time, rather than trying to do multiple things at once. 
• Prioritise the things you have to do and the things you want to do, and choose which things you can leave for later. 
• Giving your undivided attention to whatever you’re doing can help you avoid mistakes. This can reduce stress and help you feel in control.

Memory aids

• A ‘memory basket’ will help you keep things like your keys, wallet and glasses in one place.
• Drug dispensers and pill timers can be a useful reminder to take your medication, as it’s important to take it at the times advised by your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse.
• Most mobile phones have alarm settings that can be used to remind you to take your medication and attend appointments.
• Keep a diary of your symptoms. This can help you explain any problems when you see your healthcare professionals.

Find out more: see our information on monitoring your Parkinson’s.

Keeping it simple

If you’re having difficulty remembering or following conversations, ask people to speak and explain things as clearly and simply as possible.

They can also help you by providing information in different ways. For example, they could write messages down for you, if this helps.

Driving

For many people, mild memory and thinking problems will not affect their driving. Your diagnosis does not necessarily mean you’ll have to stop driving. Your GP or Parkinson’s nurse can advise on whether you need to contact the DVLA/DVA. 

See our information on driving and Parkinson's.

What can I do at work?  

If you’re still working, you may find it useful to adapt your working environment. Simple but effective changes include:

•     keeping your work space tidy
•     focusing on one task at a time
•     reducing distractions when doing complex tasks.

Your employer has a legal duty to support you with your disability. 

In certain circumstances, your employer may agree to make some reasonable adjustments to your job to help you manage and continue working to the best of your ability.

Some people have found that cutting back on their working hours or changing job roles has also made life easier, but this may not be possible for everyone.
  
See our information on work and Parkinson's.

Occupational therapists can also provide advice on how to make your work more manageable. Find out more about occupational therapy.