Parkinson’s rehab program may sharpen thinking skills and lift mood

Oct 9, 2026

PD-CoRE improves memory, problem-solving, and depression in small study

Written by Marisa Horak, MS | Sept. 29, 2026

• Parkinson's disease often causes nonmotor symptoms such as cognitive decline, memory loss, impaired problem-solving, and depression.
• The PD-CoRE rehabilitation program utilizes structured group sessions to teach practical problem-solving strategies and coping mechanisms.
• Participants showed significant improvements in global cognition and practical judgment, and a reduction in depression severity after the intervention.

A rehabilitation program called PD-CoRE was shown to help adults with Parkinson’s disease improve their cognitive function and lessen symptoms of depression in a recent study.

The program uses group sessions to teach practical problem-solving strategies, giving participants tools to manage the daily cognitive challenges that often accompany the neurodegenerative condition.

“PD-CoRE appears to be a promising intervention for enhancing cognitive functioning and aspects of well-being in individuals with [Parkinson’s],” researchers wrote, calling for more studies to further validate and refine the program.

The study, “Parkinson’s disease cognitive rehabilitation of executive functioning (PD-CoRE): A community-based intervention study,” was published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders.