Mary Chaput, Correspondent
Dear Mary,
My father was always
a laid-back, easygoing type of guy until he developed Parkinson's
disease. Now in addition to the tremors and changes in his gait, he
has become extremely anxious. He has panic attacks, trouble sleeping and seems
to worry about everything. My mother and I keep telling him that we will not
leave him alone and will always take care of him, but it doesn't seem to help.
Any suggestions on how we can get him to calm down before he makes my mother a
nervous wreck, too?
Dear Reader,
Many people do not realize that
Parkinson's disease is not just a movement disorder. Parkinson's also affects
the gastrointestinal system (causing constipation) and can cause hypotension
(drop in blood pressure) which increases the risk of falling. And while we may
assume that someone would feel anxious and depressed upon receiving a diagnosis
of PD, many do not realize that anxiety and depression are actually clinical
symptoms of the disease and not a reaction to it.
Studies have shown
that at least half of all Parkinson's patients suffer from anxiety at some
point during the course of the disease. Anxiety in Parkinson's is associated
with depression, dementia-like
symptoms and sleep disturbances.
Unfortunately,
anxiety in Parkinson's disease patients can cause tremors to worsen, increase
gait freeze, create difficulty falling and staying asleep, and affect memory.
Anxiety perpetuates a vicious cycle — decreased motor function creates more
anxiety. It can also, regrettably, affect the individual's role in social
situations as the constant anxiety tends to annoy those around him/her and
detracts from social interactions.
The good news is that
anxiety can be treated with medications, lifestyle changes, and therapy or
counseling from a qualified practitioner. Talk with your father's physician to
see what he/she suggests. Support groups offer encouragement and understanding
to both the individual living with PD, as well as their caregiver.
http://health.einnews.com/article/307963192/cFrNvhn8ev4uyR_4
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