Background: Empathy describes the ability to infer and share emotional experiences of other people and is a central component of normal social functioning. Impaired empathy might be a non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD).
Apathy. One of the other changes not related to movement that may affect people living with Parkinson's is a symptom called apathy. Apathy is used to describe a lack of emotion or general lack of interest in things others might find interesting, or things you previously found interest in.
In addition to having difficulty recognizing emotions such as irritation or sadness in themselves, they may be unable to read the signs of emotion in the facial expressions of others. This makes communicating and empathizing very difficult.
You may experience a range of mental health issues alongside your physical Parkinson's symptoms. These can range from depression and anxiety to hallucinations, memory problems and dementia. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health symptoms that affect people with Parkinson's.
Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) can experience several behavioral symptoms, such as apathy, agitation, hypersexuality, stereotypic movements, pathological gambling, abuse of antiparkinsonian drugs, and REM sleep behavioral disorders.
Since 1913 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have been described as particularly industrious, devoted to hard work, inflexible, punctual, cautious, and moralist (1). These psychological characteristics have been so constantly reported that the concept of “Parkinsonian personality” emerged.
A partner with Parkinson's may not feel up to eating out or taking an annual vacation. Body language may become less clear, and slurred speech and facial masking can further confuse conversation. Symptoms like depression, anxiety and apathy can make tension harder to deal with.
Even among individuals with young onset PD, there can be subtle changes in personality. Thus, a person may begin to experience more negative emotions (neuroticism), becoming more anxious (fearful) or depressed (withdrawn or moody).
Not everyone develops every symptom of Parkinson's disease, but if you're affected, non-motor symptoms including depression, anxiety, anger and irritability can have a huge impact on your quality of life and those around you.
Mood Changes in Parkinson's
But mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are clinical symptoms of Parkinson's, just as are slowness of movement and tremor. In fact, up to half of all people with Parkinson's may suffer from depression and/or anxiety at some point during the course of their disease.
For many people, Parkinson's affects brain chemistry—hindering the body's ability to produce dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These chemicals determine mood, energy, and motivation, leaving many in a state of depression, which can be treated, but is certainly a struggle to live with.
The person might find it challenging to do things they once did easily. This can be difficult and frustrating for them. Try to be empathetic when you speak to them, so they feel supported. Offer assistance: As Parkinson's disease progresses, the person may not be able to drive, cook, clean, or care for themselves.
However, it is possible to experience moments of happiness in the face of chronic disease if one trains the brain to hold the moment gently — not too tightly.
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is characterized by frequent, uncontrollable outbursts of crying or laughing. It happens when a nervous system disorder, such as PD, affects the brain areas controlling expression of emotion. This disrupts brain signaling and triggers the involuntary episodes.
The social symptoms of PD often directly lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Indeed, one study found that patients with greater facial masking have reported experiencing greater self-reported social exclusion [21].
Sudden deterioration in Parkinson's disease is frequently encountered in clinical practice. It usually occurs over several days or weeks, and the cause is most likely related to a symptom rather than progression of the condition.
Having Parkinson's can change the dynamics of the relationship, the family, and both partner's career roles and responsibilities. In addition to the movement symptoms associated with Parkinson's, non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction can occur.
The most frequent NPS in the untreated phase of PD are those of depression, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances.
It should be noted that the life expectancy of Parkinson's disease can be normal or near normal. However, a number of factors can shorten life expectancy. According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, patients usually live between 10 and 20 years after diagnosis.
Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking.
Speak openly and honestly about your feelings and hardships to your partner. Keep them aware of any mental or physical changes you might be experiencing. Communicating is harder for people with Parkinson's as symptoms progress, so don't be afraid to talk openly with your partner right out of the gate.
Punding, a peculiar stereotyped behavior characterized by intense fascination with complex, excessive, non-goal-oriented, repetitive activities, is a quite rare condition complicating Parkinson's disease (PD). It is triggered by dopaminergic therapy and could have a strong impact on patient quality of life.