The Measurement and Nature of Impulsivity in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

This thesis examined methods that are used to assess impulsive behaviours in Parkinson’s. The results demonstrated that to obtain the most valid assessment of impulsivity, both people with Parkinson’s and their friends/family should complete questionnaires that have been designed to identify these behaviours in Parkinson’s. In contrast, using behavioural impulsivity tasks is discouraged. The findings also highlight the reward seeking nature of impulsivity in Parkinson’s, informing future treatments designed to reduce these problematic behaviours.