Proposal for a standardized psychological diagnostic routine with Parkinson's patients

In addition to the motor symptoms of Morbus Parkinson, a number of cognitiv e and emotional changes take place. The diagnosis of these concomitant symp toms has received increasing attention in research and clinical practice. G lobal rating scales offer economical advantages but generally do not satisf y the requirements of psychometric criteria, and they do not suffice in lig ht of the multidimensional symptoms of the disease. Based on recent researc h results, recommendations from the CAPSIT protocol (Core Assessment Progra m for Surgical Interventional Therapies) for diagnosis of neuro-surgically treated Parkinson's patients, and the restraints of everyday clinical work, we propose a standardized neuropsychological diagnostic routine. It includ es diagnostic methods that are in use internationally and so timesaving and easily accessible that they can be considered suitable for routine diagnos tics. Data comparison among Various treatment centers can thus take place m ore easily. We have included only methods that differentiate well and whose test criteria offer a basis for thorough consultation as well as planning and evaluation of multidimensional therapy.