Utility of the SEND-PD Scale in Parkinson’s Disease: A Narrative Review

Parkinson’s disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, and its incidence is expected to increase in coming years. This review evaluates the psychometric properties and potential utility of the SEND-PD scale in assessing the neuropsychiatric disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease, with a particular focus on their impact on the quality of life of people with the condition. An extensive literature search was conducted from October 1st to 30th 2024, using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect with the keywords: Neuropsychiatric symptoms OR Cognitive impairment OR Cognitive decline AND SEND-PD AND Parkinson’s disease OR Parkinsonian syndromes. Inclusion criteria were English-language articles focused on the psychometric validation, clinical use, or comparison of the SEND-PD scale in populations with Parkinson’s disease. Studies unrelated to Parkinson’s disease or assessment tools were excluded. Boolean operators, language filters, and a 10-year publication window were applied. The SEND-PD scale facilitates early detection and management of neuropsychiatric complications in Parkinson’s disease. Its strength lies in identifying early cognitive impairment, enabling timely interventions such as cognitive rehabilitation and medication adjustments. The SEND-PD is a valuable tool that supports ongoing monitoring and treatment optimization for people with Parkinson’s disease, by providing objective evidence of cognitive changes over time.