Parkinson's is a degenerative disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain that allow for physical movement. The disease affects the physical function of a patient's body, making it difficult to move smoothly--or in late stages of the disease, at all. Cognitive symptoms can affect patients as well because they're learning to cope with the difficulty of facing a degenerative disease.
The Disease
Parkinson's disease affects the nerve cells in the brain. Healthy nerve cells (neurons) produce dopamine, the chemical that allows for coordinated muscle function and movement. The symptoms of Parkinson's are mostly physical, such as tremors, rigidity, trouble walking and muffled speech. Parkinson's patients usually have a clear mind until the very end stages of the disease, when symptoms of dementia can appear. Cognitive symptoms of Parkinson's are usually related to coping with the forced life changes due to the disease's physical symptoms.
Cognitive Symptoms
Insomnia can occur in patients with Parkinson's disease that stem from anxiety, depression, physical discomfort or inability to roll over in bed. Depression can also occur due to chemical changes in the brain or because of the challenge of facing a debilitating disease. Patients may withdraw from friends and family and become inactive. In the late stages of Parkinson's disease, dementia--or trouble with memory, mental clarity, and confusion--can occur in some people. Alzheimer's medications have shown to slightly alleviate some of these symptoms. Some Parkinson's disease medications have shown to cause hallucinations and vivid dreams
Post Diagnosis
Early in the stages of Parkinson's disease, physiological issues may be more troubling than the physical symptoms. Many people who are diagnosed with Parkinson's or any other progressive disease may face disbelief and anger after diagnosis. They may wish their body and life could return to normal. In order to live with the disease as best as possible, a person must find gradual acceptance that her life has changed and learn that she won't ever lose the symptoms. The strongest goal becomes maintain function, movement and mental health.
Counseling
Psychological counseling can help ease the stress of facing Parkinson's disease. Learning to live with a chronic illness such as Parkinson's can be especially difficult. Facing the future and getting help takes courage and strength. Several adaptations for lifestyle, career and family must be made, and counselors can help the patient accept and discuss these changes. Some counselors can also prescribe medications for depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Support Network
Many Parkinson's patients resist telling friends and family that they have been diagnosed with the disease. They don't want to be seen as an invalid, and their fear of not being accepted prevents them from communicating with loved ones. When dealing with a diagnosis of Parkinson's, it's important to keep friends and family informed so they can help the patient make lifestyle changes as necessary and cope with their own life changes. Counselors can help in maintaining open lines of communication with employers, friends and family so that life changes are made as smoothly as possible.
