The Impact of Parkinson’s Disease and Chronic Stroke on Simple Multitasking Abilities

Abstract

It is hypothesised that Parkinson’s disease and chronic strokes may interfere with patient’s ability to multitask. The aim of the study is to explore the impact of chronic stroke or Parkinson’s on simple multitasking abilities. Both diseases cause the inability to perform simple activities such as walking and mental mathematics simultaneously. In a controlled sample of 15 patients of Indian origin with either chronic stroke or Parkinson’s disease it was observed that there was a significant deterioration in the ability to multitask (increase in time taken to multitask between Timed up and Go (TUG) and Dual Timed up and Go (Dual TUG) versus a normal control group). The study found that the average increase in time required to complete the tests was 49% (for chronic stroke patients) and 36 % (for patients with Parkinson’s disease) as compared to a normal baseline of less than 10%. In patients with chronic stroke or Parkinson’s disease, special attention must be paid to these impairments as they significantly affect independent living.