Decision-making is the act of consciously choosing between possible options, it is not always subject to our will, we often act impulsively or let our emotions take over, other times we are paralysed by overwhelming uncertainty.
Information in decision-making can be processed by two emotional-experiential and rational systems. The first is effortless and activated spontaneously. Information is processed quickly, automatically, intuitively and unconsciously, while the second rational system is based on analytical thinking, with conscious control by the individual.
Given the cognitive changes that occur with age, it can be expected that the effectiveness of the rational mode of thinking may change significantly. Processing within the emotional-experiential system, on the other hand, is not expected to change significantly.
Decision-making disorders in Parkinson's disease
Parkinson 's disease is a chronic illness, exerting a stigma not only on motor functioning, but also on mental, psychological and social functioning.
The most common mental disorder is depression. Depression, together with a decrease in dopamine levels in the brain, results in the emergence of difficulties in decision-making in Parkinson's disease.
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When we are depressed and sad, the negative emotions that accompany us make it difficult to make rational and informed decisions. More often than not, such patients are indifferent and simply want to "get the choice over with".
How to deal with the problem?
Deficits in decision-making make everyday life difficult. Incorrect choices have negative consequences. It is therefore advisable to consult your nearest and dearest and give yourself time to think carefully and analyse the problem.
In the treatment of decision-making disorders, the same laxatives are used as in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, which increase dopamine levels.
A study of 32 people over the age of 70 using l-dopa and 22 people in their 20s confirmed that older participants, who were less able to predict the probability of reward based on their decisions, performed worse in tasks, but showed significant improvement after receiving a dose of l-dopa.
In addition to drugs that increase dopamine levels, antidepressants can be used to improve decision-making along with improving mood and increasing motivation to act.
