Introduction

Research on anosognosia faces methodological challenges that require careful consideration. Anosognosia, particularly its cognitive subtype related to self-awareness of cognitive deficits, is a critical and widely debated topic in the study of neurodegenerative disorders. Although the relationship between anosognosia and depression has been explored, the findings to date remain inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between depression and cognitive anosognosia in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Material and methods

This cross-sectional study involving 96 individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers was conducted to explore the relationship between depression and cognitive anosognosia. The participants completed the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX-P), while their caregivers independently provided assessments of the participants’ executive functions using the caregiver version of the DEX. Comparisons were made between self-reported and caregiver-reported executive function deficits to evaluate levels of cognitive anosognosia.

Results and conclusions

The findings supported the hypothesis of a negative relationship between depression and cognitive anosognosia, suggesting that individuals with more severe depressive symptoms exhibit heightened self-awareness of cognitive deficits. These results are discussed within the framework of the cognitive theory of depression, providing insight into the complex interplay between mood and self-perception in Parkinson’s disease. However, further research is needed.