Are hallucinations caused by medication or the disease itself?

February 15, 2018   Ann Miner

“I have a question,” said he. “What about hallucinations in Parkinson’s? Is that a normal malady or is it caused by medications?”

Was he asking about hallucinations or dementia? They are not the mutually inclusive. Hallucinations are often caused by certain medicines. My Burt had a patch on his neck to help prevent nausea. That medication caused him to hallucinate. His visions were harmless and kind of sweet. “I’m watching those two mice playing in the corner,” he would say. Or, “That spider was almost up onto my bed, and you scared him away.”

One time, when I asked him what he was doing he said he was watching the game on the TV. Okay, but the TV was not turned on. However, his cousin’s husband saw evil and scary things, such as demons in certain pictures on the wall, that were brought on by a certain medication for PD.

Parkinson’s can also give rise to cognitive deficits. According to Dr. Norman Doidge, in his book, “The Brain’s Way of Healing,” any neurological condition that restricts mobility can weaken the brain. As people become immobile, the lack of activity in the brain — that is they see less, hear less, and process less new information — can cause the brain to atrophy from the lack of stimulation.

Dementia can be caused by inactivity or atrophy of the brain. Unfortunately, regardless of the cause, Parkinson’s patients develop cognitive deficits at rates higher than the normal population. Cognitive problems can progress into dementia in advanced cases: PD patients have a six-times normal risk of dementia.

As part of chronic Parkinson’s disease and its treatment, psychotic behaviors occur in over 50 percent of patients. These problems include illusions (perceptual errors), hallucinations (false perceptions), delusional thinking and even suspicious and paranoid behaviors.

Life-style changes, medication adjustments and new, specifically anti-psychotic treatments, are available. Learn more by registering now for a free Expert Briefing webinar taking place on Feb. 27 from 10-11 p.m. by calling 1-800-473-4636 or emailing helpline@parkinson.org.

Future Expert Briefings include:Marijuana and PD: What Do We Really Know?

Living Alone: Home Safety and  Management in PD

Have we discussed attitude in this column? To quote a favorite teacher in college, “I’m here to tell you” that attitude makes all the difference in the world as to how we feel physically. For instance, my daughter and I live together. She is a remarkable woman, who senses that I need more help than I really do. She often says, “Wait, let me do that for you.” 

She had helped me in so many areas that I began to think of myself as an infirm little old lady. Yes, dearie.

Then she went on an extended stay to Italy last summer. As she was making travel plans, I began to worry about how I would handle everything on my own. Then I was reminded that I lived on my own for 22 years before I married my Burt.

At the end of her three-month hiatus, I saw that I had myself back, and I felt 15 years younger. My physical energy is surprisingly strong for an infirm little old lady.

As a Parkinson’s patient, you will have your off times, and they can dampen your spirit. I encourage you to find something every day that makes you happy, makes you smile, makes you remember how good it feels to feel good. Desert living allows us to awaken to sunshine most mornings, and that alone is a blessing. Take an attitude check. Let the sun’s rays work their magic.

For now, take long steps and keep looking up.

Ann Miner lives in Apple Valley. She writes non-fiction, and children’s books. Contact her at eannminer@yahoo.com.

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