Cognitive Neuropsychology

Cognitive neuropsychology integrates principles from psychology, neurology, and cognitive science to understand how brain structures and functions support cognitive processes such as visuo-perception, memory, language, and decision-making. Studying cognition in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is crucial because cognitive impairments often accompany the motor symptoms. In PD, patients may experience deficits in executive function, attention, and visuospatial abilities, which significantly impact their quality of life. Similarly, PSP patients frequently exhibit early and severe cognitive impairments, particularly in executive function and language. These cognitive deficits are not merely secondary to motor symptoms but are intrinsic to the diseases themselves, suggesting a broader neurological dysfunction. Understanding these cognitive impairments is vital as they can exacerbate motor and gait issues, leading to increased falls and reduced mobility.

In our research, we employ a combination of standardised pen-and-paper neuropsychological tests and novel digital cognitive assessments to investigate cognition in our cohort. Traditional tests, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), provide a reliable measure of general cognitive abilities and specific domains, including memory, attention, and executive function. These are complemented by digital cognitive assessments, which offer more precise and dynamic measurement of cognitive processes. Digital tools can capture subtle changes in reaction times, error patterns, speech, and task-switching abilities, providing a more nuanced understanding of cognitive deficits. By using this comprehensive approach, we aim to map the cognitive profiles of our patient cohort, identify specific impairments, and explore their relationship with motor dysfunction. This integrated methodology provides deeper insight into the complexity of movement disorders and supports the development of targeted interventions that address both cognitive and motor symptoms.