The “parkinsonian personality” has been described as compulsive, industrious, introverted, morally rigid, punctual, serious, stoic, and quiet (2, 3).
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a person may begin to experience more negative emotions (neuroticism), becoming more anxious (fearful) or depressed (withdrawn or moody).
Impulsive or compulsive behaviors
Some Parkinson's patients act impulsively, unable to control the desire to do certain things. This behavior can range from innocuous-seeming excessive internet use to: Hoarding. Charity donations.
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.
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.
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.
In the later stages of Parkinson's disease (PD) some people will develop cognitive changes that ultimately lead to dementia and some of those people can exhibit reactive behaviours, usually involving anxiety, anger and aggression. This can include verbal outbursts such as shouting, swearing, or name-calling.
In general, people who are more connected live happier, more fulfilled lives. And in Parkinson's, talking with others may benefit cognition, and positive relationships can boost mood. Give yourself a break. Parkinson's, like life, will bring good days and bad days.
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.
Happiness can be an elusive thing when battling a chronic disease like Parkinson's. So many things can get in the way of experiencing happiness: pain, deep fatigue, irritability, the time consumed by the disease, and grief accompanying things stolen by the disease.
Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking. They may also have mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.
Some studies have reported that the average time from onset of Parkinson's to developing dementia is about 10 years. One large study found that about three-quarters of people who live with Parkinson's for more than 10 years will develop dementia.
Medical experts believe that environmental causes may help trigger Parkinson's disease. Exposure to farming chemicals, like pesticides and herbicides; Vietnam-era exposure to Agent Orange; and working with heavy metals, detergents and solvents have all been implicated and studied for a clearer link.
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a condition characterized by frequent, uncontrollable outbursts of crying or laughing that do not match how the person actually feels. It can affect people with Parkinson's disease as well as those with brain injury or other neurologic conditions.
Individuals with PD may have a slightly shorter life span compared to healthy individuals of the same age group. According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, patients usually begin developing Parkinson's symptoms around age 60 and many live between 10 and 20 years after being diagnosed.
On average, people with Parkinson's die about 16 years after they're diagnosed or begin to show symptoms. Those who are diagnosed at a very young age, such as around age 30, may live longer periods of up to 40 years with the disease.
Freezing – a sudden, but temporary inability to move, when you start to walk or change direction. Moving without assistance or a wheelchair. Other symptoms such as constipation, depression, loss of smell, low blood pressure when going to stand up, pain, and sleep issues.
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.
Individuals with Parkinson's can face a multitude of challenges to their quality of life throughout the disease. Parkinson's disease impact on quality of life includes employment, driving, traveling, dental health, falls, hospitalization, and financial issues.
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.
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.
In the later stages of Parkinson's disease, many people will experience cognitive changes, sometimes leading to dementia. Along with these cognitive impairments, some people can exhibit reactive behaviours, usually involving anxiety, anger, and aggression.
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.