Autonomic Dysfunction Linked to Cognitive Decline in Prodromal Parkinson Disease

Early autonomic dysfunction in prodromal Parkinson's disease independently predicts a substantially higher risk for earlier cognitive impairment, suggesting autonomic assessment may help identify patients at risk for cognitive decline before motor symptoms emerge. The study authors concluded, “[T]hese data suggest that careful assessment of autonomic function may help identify individuals at increased risk for cognitive decline even before the onset of motor manifestations.