(StatePoint) Those familiar with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are likely aware of the disorder’s most visible symptoms, including slower movements, impaired balance, rigidity/stiffness and involuntary shaking.
However, Parkinson’s, which is a neurodegenerative brain disorder, can cause a range of non-motor symptoms, which can bring about a new set of challenges for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.
It’s important to learn more about these non-motor symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions and mood disorders, so the symptoms can be discussed with the doctor.
1. Hallucinations. More
than half of all people with Parkinson’s will experience hallucinations or
delusions over the course of their disease. Hallucinations can cause people to
see, hear, or experience things that aren’t real.
For example, people with
Parkinson’s commonly report seeing groups of people or animals that in
actuality are not there. As hallucinations become more frequent, people with PD
may become unable to distinguish what’s real and what’s imagined and react to
their hallucinations.
Hallucinations can lead to
increased patient and caregiver distress, and even nursing home placement.
2. Delusions. Delusions
are false beliefs not supported by evidence, and in people with Parkinson’s,
delusions often have paranoid themes. For example, a person with Parkinson’s
might make accusations about their spouse or someone else trying to access
their life savings. Another common delusion is even a longtime spouse
committing adultery.
Studies have shown that
many experiencing these symptoms are not reporting them to their doctors,
possibly due to embarrassment or not understanding that the symptoms are
associated with PD and the majority of the discussion is focused on motor
symptoms.
3. Cognitive Changes. As
explained by the National Parkinson Foundation, problems with attention,
inability to focus on planning, difficulties with memory and language, and
personality changes characterize the cognitive changes that can take place over
time with PD.
4. Sleep Disorders. A
range of sleep disorders are often associated with PD. They include insomnia,
restless leg syndrome, talking or moving during sleep and excessive daytime
sleepiness. Sleep disorders can impact overall health and well-being.
5. Mood Disorders.
Depression, anxiety and irritability can also affect those with PD. In fact,
one study showed that up to 40 percent of people with Parkinson’s will
experience some form of anxiety during the course of their illness.
6. Additional Non-Motor
Symptoms. The non-motor symptoms of PD are numerous, ranging from vision
problems to hypertension to loss of sense of smell. These symptoms can also
appear before a PD diagnosis and should be noted.
More information about
Parkinson’s disease and its non-motor symptoms, such as hallucinations and
delusions, can be found at www.parkinson.org.
While there is currently
no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are different treatment options, as well
as assistive devices, to address motor and non-motor symptoms.
When people with
Parkinson’s and their loved ones report the variety of symptoms that might be
associated with the disease, it can help determine what treatment option is
best for them.
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