BIO

Hello! My name is Sophia Deitrich. I am a first-year student from Colts Neck, New Jersey. I am an Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences: Clinical Professions major with aspirations of becoming a trauma surgeon. During my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, watching Jeopardy, and hanging out with my friends and family.

Spatial Navigation Skills in Parkinson's Disease – A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background:
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by tremors, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. Research indicates that Parkinson’s affects approximately one million Americans and 10 million individuals globally. It stands as the 14th-leading cause of death in the United States. Moreover, many individuals with Parkinson's disease eventually experience the onset of dementia. Research indicates that individuals with Parkinson's disease often exhibit compromised spatial skills due to abnormalities in brain regions responsible for motor control and spatial cognition. These impairments can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected, making tasks such as driving, walking, or navigating unfamiliar places challenging. Retaining independence is particularly reliant on intact spatial navigation abilities.

Methods: This study investigates the differential performance of older adults with Parkinson's Disease and cognitively healthy older adults in spatial navigation tests. Factors such as the year of publication, the country of research, and demographic details including age, gender, and level of education among participants are being examined.

Results: We are in the process of collecting and extracting the data.

Keywords: Parkinson's Disease, Spatial Navigation, Spatial Cognition