Cognitive Self-Efficacy in Parkinson's Disease

Cognitive self-efficacy (CSE), one's belief in their ability to control their cognitive performance, is important for participation in daily activities and rehabilitation. This study aims to understand how Parkinson's disease (PD) affects CSE. The Cognitive Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (CSEQ) was administered to 47 non-demented PD and 52 healthy comparison (HC) participants. Groups were compared on their self-reported ability to recognize (Part 1) and manage (Part 2) cognitive symptoms and to perform cognitively complex functional activities (Part 4). Relationships between CSEQ scores and individual characteristics were assessed within PD. It is found that the PD group had lower CSEQ scores than the HC group for all Parts. Within PD, Part 2 scores were lower than Parts 1 and 4; worse depressive symptoms and higher medication dosage correlated with lower CSE. People with PD may have low CSE, which can contribute to participation restrictions and reduced engagement in treatment. Occupational therapists should consider CSE with clients with PD. Cognitive deficits are common in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and affect their quality of life. In this study, the researchers looked at cognitive self-efficacy (CSE) or the belief in one's cognitive abilities and compared the CSE of healthy individuals with individuals with PD without dementia. The findings of the study suggest that non-demented individuals with PD have lower CSE as compared with healthy individuals. Furthermore, individuals with PD may have difficulty recognizing and managing their cognitive deficits such as memory deficits or distractibility. This may affect their ability to participate in everyday tasks that require complex cognition such as managing finances or shopping or engaging in therapy interventions focused on cognition. The study also found that greater depressive symptoms and higher dose of dopamine medications in non-demented individuals with PD lowered their CSE. This study recommends that rehabilitation professionals include assessments and interventions on CSE during treatment sessions.