OPTIMIZATION OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF CLINICAL AND NEUROLOGICAL FEATURES OF PAIN SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE

The assessment of the clinical and neurological features of pain syndrome in patients with Parkinson's disease requires a comprehensive approach, as pain syndrome can be multifactorial and have different mechanisms of origin. It is important to consider both neurological and non-motor manifestations of the disease. One of the most frequently observed symptoms in Parkinson’s disease is pain syndrome, which significantly reduces the quality of life for patients. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in five people worldwide experiences severe or moderate pain. One in three of them is unable to live independently, and about 65% of the population is socially isolated due to chronic pain, unable to carry out daily activities. Approximately 30-50% of patients with Parkinson’s disease develop cognitive impairments. These changes may include issues with attention, memory, executive functions, and perception. Parkinson's disease is characterized by the disruption of dopaminergic activity, which can lead to deficits in both motor and cognitive spheres. Pain can exacerbate these changes, as the activation of pain pathways may compete with dopaminergic pathways responsible for cognitive processes. Chronic pain and depressive symptoms, which are often present in Parkinson's disease patients, may contribute to the worsening of cognitive functions. Depression itself can be a risk factor for cognitive decline.