The Parkinson’s Thief

by Dr. Beverly Chang, Geriatric Psychiatry Direct

At times it seems that Parkinson’s is like a thief, robbing individuals of their identities. I have cared for triathletes, car enthusiasts, physicians, lawyers, and culinary experts, who have all grieved the loss of certain defining aspects of themselves. Some patients admit that they expend energy trying to cover their tremor due to perceived "stigma.” Some feel guilt and shame in having to receive more assistance from others. A few are wary of support groups due to the worry about seeing how Parkinson’s may progress. And ALL despise how their lives have been built around a medication schedule.

Parkinson’s additionally affects families and spouses who find themselves also feeling robbed – of intimacy, of the sharing of household duties, of the future they anticipated. Sometimes these thoughts are fleeting, but in cases they begin to occupy much of the day.

Depression and anxiety, if left unaddressed, lead to worsened health outcomes. Sometimes a medication will help, since Parkinson’s can deplete the brain of chemicals that make us happy. Many times, a supportive ear is just as effective. Emotions cannot be denied, and rather than “stuffing them,” perhaps we can learn to acknowledge and validate. By allowing ourselves to seek support, we may learn healthy ways of letting the unhelpful thoughts go.

Now more so than ever in the current COVID19 pandemic, I try to remind patients that we are all making lifestyle adjustments and we are all in it together.

Parkinson’s changes how we live our life, but it does not rob us of a future.