Parkinson's Disease and Legal Capacity

There are limited studies regarding legal capacity assessment in PD, since deficits in capacities are often related to progressive motor dysfunction. There is need for studies regarding the relationship of specific brain areas linked to apathy and components of legal capacities in PD. Inquiries about the patient's wishes early in the course of PD, before cognitive impairment arises, are also recommended. Finally, clinicians and researchers should carefully assess decisional capacity in PD patients with cognitive impairment.