Will someone who has Parkinson also get dementia?

Not necessarily – while there are certain risk factors in Parkinson's disease that increase the chances of someone also developing dementia, they're not guaranteed to go together. In fact, recent studies have suggested that only 8% to 17% of people with Parkinson's will ultimately develop dementia.

However, the presence of cognitive problems (including memory loss and confusion) doesn't always indicate dementia; for some people with Parkinson’s it can simply be an effect on their greater mental health due to changes in mood or behavior associated with the disease itself. That said, if you or your loved one is showing signs of having cognitive impairment then it may be worth speaking to a medical professional about this further.

It’s important also to consider lifestyle factors which could increase the risk of onset for both diseases: diabetes, heart disease and depression are all linked as potential contributors to increasing the chances of getting both Parkinson's and dementia. So making sure that any underlying conditions are addressed is vital in reducing this risk further. Finally, research suggests that engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading books or playing board games can help reduce cognitive decline amongst those already suffering from either condition over time - so these should also be explored where possible!